Photo opp of a lifetime aboard this rural Nevada steam train

Grab your winter coat, a good pair of boots and definitely a camera before heading to Ely, Nev., where you’re almost assured of getting fantastic photos of steam trains chugging through the winter snow.

The Nevada Northern Railway, a real railroad that hauled copper ore decades ago, is inviting photography buffs and rail fans alike to its Winter Steam Photo Spectacular weekends. They’re scheduled for Feb. 12-14 and Feb. 19-21.

The living railroad and museum are located about four hours north of Las Vegas.

People from across the country come to rural Ely – with a population 4,262 and an elevation of 6,427 feet – for this event.

While a coating of snow isn’t guaranteed, wintertime provides an opportunity to snap photos without competing with the summer tourists for a good vantage point.

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Winter Photo Freight Shoot in northern Nevada

Even photographers with the most basic skills and equipment can shoot stellar images. The event’s organizers set up studio-quality lighting and offer helpful guidance to maximize the experience for participants.

Since Nevada Northern is a working railroad, not just a museum, the equipment is all authentic. In addition to well-preserved steam locomotives plus passenger and freight cars, the site is also home to the original depot, engine house and water tower – plenty to excite enthusiasts.

The cost for either photography weekend is $415 for museum members and $490 for non-members. In addition to various photo shoots, the price includes a continental breakfast and a hot lunch Saturday and Sunday.

The White Pine County Tourism Board provides dining and lodging information online or by calling (800) 496-9350.

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