Working on an Art show - Main Focus: Guns

Myself, 2 other photographers, and a squad of weapon experts are starting work on an art show heavily involving military styles and weapons. We have yet to get everyone sitting in one room to discuss the best way about it, but I am having trouble finding the balance to make what we are photographing and make the shot so that it can be formed as art.

We did a day of test shots and alot of what I took is more something you'ld see in a SureFire ad more so then framed and posted on a wall.

I'm having trouble picturing the composition of the shots in a sense that gives the shot a...

I don't know its just a whole new scene for my photography (I'm generally a Macro nut)

Any kindly advice?

Besides a shot when the squad is sitting down for a picnic in full gear or a tea party with one of them pouring someones tea, which are more hilarious shots, I'm having issues thinking of a real great shot.

I suppose squibs and smoke are not out of the question.

Sounds like you want to turn it into a joke...

chauncey wrote in post #10513313
Sounds like you want to turn it into a joke...

quite the opposite, I want to keep it from becoming one.

Kyle Cassidy did a nice series called"Armed America: Portraits of Gun Owners in Their Home". Something like that?

We have more "in the field" type locations currently in mind/secured. But thanks for the link.

sorry, but what is the focus of the art...what part of the gun...the gun itself...the act of shooting...peoples reaction to shooting or the gun....a political or military statement....style of using the guns/shooting? historical? comparison? metaphorical? sexual?

guns and art bring up quite mix of images - depending on the statements you want to make

IMHO

I guess it would be trying to represent in still images the tactical side of it. Clearing a room, scouting, moving. Since it will be staged I'm having trouble finding that fine angle to shoot at to make it more of an art piece then a Surefire promotion.

What you are intending sounds more like a documentary than an effort to create art. That's why you are struggling with a concept.

If you have a clear concept in mind, try storyboarding it. Sketch (even with stick figures) what you are thinking about and see if it works.