Shooting in a Fire Hall

[Michael_Lambert]

Hey guys,

Just wondering if anyone has done shoots in fire halls and if so if you would be willing to share some shots or ideas?

I was contacted today from a model i have done some work for and she has another model and they have gotten permission from the local fire hall to come in and do some shots in there gear and on the trucks.

However I am just wondering what i would have to look out for or do special?

I will have releases signed by both models not an issue they know my release/agreement however do i need anything signed from the hall? Or would i be best just to avoid getting any identifying markings in the shots?

[Michael_Lambert]

Nothing from anyone?

Well i guess i will do my best, my plan is to bring my 70-200 and my 17-40 and my 50mm maybe use my 580EX wireless on a light stand.

[Kagemaru]

only a 580 EX?

[Michael_Lambert]

580EXII, i have been told that there is limited space and outlets are scarce.

Unfortunelty i dont have a powersupply for my AB800.

Anyone know if those inverter powersupplies would hold enough power to use a AB800 on about 1/2 power for a few shots?

[Kagemaru]

580EXII, i have been told that there is limited space and outlets are scarce.

Unfortunelty i dont have a powersupply for my AB800.

Anyone know if those inverter powersupplies would hold enough power to use a AB800 on about 1/2 power for a few shots?


You can't run extension cords?

[Michael_Lambert]

Honesty,

I have no idea, i have not seen the location. I just got the phone call monday asking if i would shoot it if they models arranged everything else.

I might be able to get my hands on a small generator if need be. Just was not sure if shooting using the speedlight would be enough.

[Kagemaru]

Honesty,

I have no idea, i have not seen the location. I just got the phone call monday asking if i would shoot it if they models arranged everything else.

I might be able to get my hands on a small generator if need be. Just was not sure if shooting using the speedlight would be enough.

I wouldn't use just one. It's possible but far too limiting. I'd prefer to go with more power that would allow you to use softer light sources.

[Michael_Lambert]

Yea i agree,

Its something totally new to me and something i would not mind taking a swing at. The models are just starting out and they came up with the idea and it would be strickly a time for Cd deal and no one would be out of pocket expect time if things don't go so well.

I will see what i can come up with this week in ways of getting something to fire my AB800 and take that along with my Speedlight as a slave.

[Kagemaru]

Might be a good idea to see the place before you shoot.

[Michael_Lambert]

it would be ideal, however not going to happen.

[woodsters]

I would imagine that there is an outlet within extension cord reach to fire the AB. I would advise against a generator. One for noise (too intrusive) and secondly smell.

[Jon Foster]

I would love to do a fire station shoot but haven't got that far yet. I think I know enough people to get it set up but I need the "right" model first...

Show us the results when you are done. I would love to see what you work out.

Jon.

[adamo99]

I've done shoots in a firehall (no examples here, but will try to post a couple later). There are plenty of power outlets all over power halls. Bring a long extension cord, and a power bar for your lighting.

Use soft, indirect light, as there is a lot of chrome, and often reflective markings on firetrucks. Your lighting needs to be small, and you need to be able to get it out of the way in a real hurry if the tones go off. If the tones go off, and your lighting is in their way, they will drive right over it to get to the emergency call.

Without seeing your hall, it's hard to say what you'll need. Some of the older halls are quite small, and barely have room to close the overhead doors with the trucks parked inside, while some of the new ones (in my area at least) are almost as large as aircraft hangars.

[Michael_Lambert]

so shooting with my softbox attached should reduce any relections from crome.

[Kagemaru]

so shooting with my softbox attached should reduce any relections from crome.

I'm not sure about that.. I guess you'll have to experiment with it. My first guess would be no only because your light source will be larger.

[Michael_Lambert]

Yea,

Just got back from the shoot and man it was crammed, Nothing really happening in side aside from the trucks and they where soo close together and the lighting was horrible.

Lucky they had a false alarm so a couple of the trucks where out long enough to get a couple of shots. However really it was hard to work in there. Too bad it was raining or they where going to pull a couple of trucks out for us.

They did end up coming back and leaving one of the trucks outside giving us some room to work.

I think the firefighers enjoyed the shoot more than anyone else. The second model never did show up not sure what is going on there but the one model who arranged it all was there and in good spirts.. i am just downloading the shots now so i do hope they turned out.

Lighting i ended up using my AB800 as low as i could, shooting with the speedlight did not make much of a difference all the metal sidings and like you said all the chrome and metal really made for alot of reflections.

First time doing something like this so i hope i got some keepers.

[Michael_Lambert]

The out come can be seen here. (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=596919)

[Karl Johnston]

For a first time it's pretty good ! Unless the hard shadows are your style, I'd suggest softing out that light. I use a piece of kleenex when I can't find a diffuser source, lol, or snow *looks outside*.

I can't post in that forum since I'm new on this website, but I'd suggest softening the light more. Pretty good for one 580 ex