To answer the above statement, I would have to repeat something I've repeated for many years here on Firepics and it's predecessors.... 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.
Just to echo from the first page, GA Dave has it right, as long as you are happy with your shot. But take whatever shot you can when you can. I learned this a long time ago. I know guys that will drive hours to get to places, and if the sun isn't out, they won't take the shot. That's what they like and I respect that. If I travel somewhere far from home, I will take whatever shots I can regardless. The reason why is I shot a rig in Halifax, NS. It was cloudy and not a great shot, but it was a shot nonetheless. It was actually a really crappy photo. The next week the truck was rolled and written off. Now I am happy to have taken that shot.
Quote:Just to echo from the first page, GA Dave has it right, as long as you are happy with your shot. But take whatever shot you can when you can. I learned this a long time ago. I know guys that will drive hours to get to places, and if the sun isn't out, they won't take the shot. That's what they like and I respect that. If I travel somewhere far from home, I will take whatever shots I can regardless. The reason why is I shot a rig in Halifax, NS. It was cloudy and not a great shot, but it was a shot nonetheless. It was actually a really crappy photo. The next week the truck was rolled and written off. Now I am happy to have taken that shot.
Do you still have a picture of the Halifax unit.
Stephen Taylor
Retired Volunteer Firefighter
Retired Career Fire Dispatcher
Yarmouth Fire Department
Yarmouth, N.S. Canada
01-05-2016, 11:22 PM (This post was last modified: 01-08-2016, 03:06 PM by Fassy.)
Spent some time in Wayne County, NC this week. The weather is crazy down here! Anyway, I was able to get out with a point-and-shoot camera I used for a wedding on the one day it was sunny. My personal favorite from the day is this rig.
Does anyone have any information on this rig? I know it served the Florin Fire Company in Mount Joy, PA. When they merged with Fire Department Mount Joy, it became Engine 75-3. It then ended up in East Norwegian Township, PA. I don't have any specs or its current whereabouts.