Adobe & Japanese Railway Equip Reckless Trainspotters With AI Photography Tools
Photo 277801241 © Nongpimmy | Dreamstime.com
Adobe and Japan’s Sagami Railway are amusingly on track to curbing disruptive railfan behavior in Japan. The pair has unexpectedly teamed up to launch a new workshop to teach train enthusiasts—specifically the toritetsu, or train photographers—to use digital tools to make their shots picture-perfect without crossing any lines, literally or figuratively.
Train photography, a popular pastime among Japan’s dedicated railfans (called train otaku or densha otaku), often comes with its own set of challenges. Some are so eager to capture rare or unique trains that they find themselves straying onto restricted areas, trespassing for that flawless angle, or even damaging property. It’s a passion that can sometimes lead to friction with the authorities, as well as inconvenience for other passengers.
In a bid to mitigate these issues, Sagami Railway and Adobe have introduced classes held at Hoshikawa Station in Yokohama City to help channel trainspotters’ dedication into more respectful and creative methods. Participants are taught how to use Adobe Express’s generative AI features to edit their shots, erasing unwanted elements like overhead wires or crowds without resorting to risky behavior. This allows photographers to achieve their aesthetic goals from a safe vantage point.
Image via Adobe Japan
Sagami Railway, often known as SÅtetsu, holds a special place in the hearts of many rail enthusiasts. With its rolling stock and unique routes, it’s a frequent subject for train photographers—both for those interested in the experience of the ride, known as nori-tetsu, and for the photographers.
By encouraging the use of advanced photo-editing tools, Sagami Railway aims to reduce instances of unsafe behavior and help train enthusiasts find new ways to responsibly enjoy their passion on the right side of the tracks.
[via SoraNews24 and Adobe Japan, images via various sources]
