Fassy's Photos

[Fassy]

Hello Fellow Fire Buffs,



I have been a firefighter for 12 years in Lancaster County, PA. Recently I have been spending some time shooting photos of fire apparatus (I think I found a new hobby). I am new to this site (thanks to Bruce Anderson!)and I have really enjoyed what I've found so far. Please take a look at my photos and let me know if there are things I can do better. I will try to add more of my collection as I figure this out.



Thanks!

[Fassy]

Lafayette FD

Lancaster County, PA

Truck 6-3





Sorry about the size, still learning.

[Fassy]

Robert Fulton FD

Tanker 5-13

Mack R-Model

[GA_Dave]

Please take a look at my photos and let me know if there are things I can do better.

WELCOME to Firepics!



To answer the above statement, I would have to repeat something I've repeated for many years here on Firepics and it's predecessors.... <img src='http://www.firepics.net/groupboards/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/deadhorse.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /> Since you haven't been here to see it before, here goes:



This is a HOBBY. Whatever makes YOU happy is the important thing. There are folks here that think there is only one way to shoot a rig (their way), but if you are happy with your shot, that's all that matters. There are folks here that would want you to record all sorts of info, like production numbers and stuff, but there is no rule that requires it. Many people don't record any info, and that's okay too.



Now, if YOU are not happy with your shots and are asking for some technical pointers, here are a few things to consider:



1. Try to avoid clutter in the background, such as poles, wires, other vehicles, etc. whenever possible. If the rig had been positioned a couple feet back, you could have not had the tractor-trailer in the shot, nor the pole.



2. Shoot on days without clouds in your "home area" and when possible if you take trips. Many of my PA shots have overcast skies, but I live in Georgia!



3. Your shot seems to have a "wide-angle" look to it. This may have been the desired effect, but if it wasn't, try standing a bit farther away, then zoom in. Of course I have no idea what type of camera you use and it's capabilities and limitations, so you may not have the ability to change this. A 50mm lens is the standard for film cameras (don't use digital, don't know if it is the same). I use a 35-80 zoom, but try to stay at around 50mm when shooting, unless that puts me in the middle of a busy highway.....



Overall, I'd say your shot is just fine, but again, that's up to you.

[keeney]

Nice pictures and hope to see more.

[Fassy]

Lafayette, PA

2003 Pierce Quantum Pumper

Engine 6-3-3

[Fassy]

Dave,



Thanks for your insight! That's exactly what I am looking for. I can see what you mean about the "clutter". I wasn't thinking about that when I shot these photos but noticed it as soon as I uploaded them. A few people have mentioned some tips. Things like...



Keep the sun to your back.

Try to have the sun shining on the front and driver's side of the rig.

Take photos from the driver's side at an angle.

Windows Up.

Headlights off.

Photo specs or info if possible.



All these are things I am looking for from the guys that have been shooting a long time. I'll keep it mind to try staying farther back from the rig and zooming in. I'll be interested to see if that makes my shots better.



Thank you very much!

[Fassy]

Lancaster Twp. Fire Dept.

1993 Pierce Lance

Engine 6-6-1

[Fassy]

Lancaster Twp, PA

1995 Pierce Lance

Engine 6-6-2

[dawson_fire]

Welcome to the group! I second what Dave said and have fun and don't sweat the small stuff. I shot the fire expo last year in the pouring rain but it was better than being at work. Again welcome.



Terry

[Fassy]

Lancaster Twp, PA

1993 Spartan/American LaFrance

Engine 6-6-3

[Fassy]

Lancaster Twp, PA

1998 Spartan/LTI

Truck 6-6

[Fassy]

Lancaster Township, PA (Lancaster County)

 

Ex-Rescue 66 (Unit was sold to an oil refinery in Bayonne, NJ)

 

1989 Pierce Lance 

 

 

[Fassy]

Maytown, PA (Lancaster County)

 

Engine 79-2

 

1997 Seagrave Marauder

1750 GPM / 1000 GWT

[DGFD147]

Welcome aboard. Your shots look great. Take the shot when you can. You may be the only person that ever shoots the rig. Practice makes perfect.

[Fassy]

Maytown, PA (Lancaster County)

 

Tanker 79

 

2009 Peterbilt/US Tanker Patriot

1000 GPM / 2900 GWT

[Fassy]

Maytown, PA (Lancaster County)

 

Rescue 79-1 

 

2003 Spartan Gladiator/Crimson

2000 GPM / 500 GWT

[Fassy]

Maytown, PA (Lancaster County)

 

Rescue 79-2

 

1980 Mack R-Model/SWAB

 

Ex-Middletown, PA 

 

Unit has been replaced. 

[Guest]

Welcome aboard! Very nice shots. Just keep at it and you will get the hang of it. My only advice is: even if a rig is not posed properly.........grab the shot, if for nothing else than a historical record of the rig. I wish I had done more of this when I first started out!



Keep at it!

[Truckman]

Brett, welcome to the clan!



Take the photos as you can. As Bill said you may be the only person to get the shot. Dave is also on target about shooting apparatus. It's called Appealing.



I try not to have a lot of stuff showing on the dash board and windshields, but sometime you can help that.



From what I see they look good. If possible try not to get other objects in the frame as the rig. It is sometimes impossible to do.



Keep on shooting and posting.