Ideas for a Gun shoot.

[DeLeon]

That sounds funny...

A few months ago I was contacted by a magazine to use a few of my images of a Colt pistol for a small article. That went well and I was called this morning and asked if I could take some photos of a Thompson Sub Machine gun produced by Colt. The photo will go on the cover, so there is a little pressure there. I have no idea what how I want to do these photos. I have what they called "complete creative control" I guess that means they don't know what they want either. Has anyone ever shot photos like this? I don't know if I should just set the gun on a stand or maybe have a model come in and pose with the gun..both? Any ideas are appreciated.

[J Eddington]

What about a stream of ammo on a black or white background with the gun laying on top? Guns always look cool when someone holding them or put onto a natural background like sand or stone.

[Ahh!]

These guys always have a tastefully attired model on their monthly catalog, called the Blue Press.
Their front page has some other (limited) suggestions.

The most dramatic shots I see are in the NRA magazines. You might check their website as well. They feature the guns themselves with a variety of backgrounds.

[DeLeon]

Cool..thanks. I didn't think about the NRA site.

[adirty1]

you could do a time piece. dress some one up in 40, 50 clothing and do a gangster or g-man style shoot. do two one safe and one fun.

[CobyPhoto]

I like the time reference idea, especially if you can get the old car as a prop too. That is exactly what I think about when I hear Thompson Sub Machine gun.

By the way, those things are a monster to shoot! LOL But fun.

CJ

[DeLeon]

Lol..thanks for the ideas guys! I have never shot it, but I did get to hold it this morning when i talked with the owner. Its is HEAVY! The gun was built in 1922, and I am thinking now that a time piece would be good. I have a call into a local auto museum and I will see what they have to say. The original registered owner was actually the Potter County Sheriffs Department, so I may do something with that as well. I have until next Sat. to get everything lined up.

[adirty1]

I am sure you can find an old truck to use.
Or you could go the violin case route.

find a case with red lining and drop it in. that would make for a great cover. bottle of gin in the back ground a stubbed out cigar in the foreground. Or checkered table cloth and a candle if you want to go the Tony Two Toes way.

I never get the fun shoots anymore. Always I just want a standard web shot on white paper for website. And I cant remember the last time I heard full creative control either....
Dah...

[CobyPhoto]

Originally Posted by DeLeon

I have never shot it, but I did get to hold it this morning when i talked with the owner. Its is HEAVY!

The recoil on this thing is unbelivable! It is like holding a "jack hammer on steroids" when firing it!

Fun, but scary all at the same time. Fortunately, the guy letting me fire it, knew the end result and we were in an appropriate area so I wouldn't spray anything or one!

CJ

[David_3]

You could always do a Winston Churchill takeoff.

[CobyPhoto]

I am with Adam...Why can't I get the fun shoots???

CJ

[east_tx]

Chris,

Just a thought, but it might help to know what magazine the shot is for-----to know the buyers a little better. I am a gun fanatic, but some of the cover shots on some magazines really turn me off to the magazine (certainly not something you have provided a shot for of course-----I really like all of those, whatever they were!!!!!!). Good luck.

[DeLeon]

lol...the magazine is called "The Rampant Colt" certainly not a big name mag, but it is a big deal for me.


EDIT: That made me go look for their web site and I now have a better idea of what they look for in a cover shot. here are some past covers
http://www.coltcollectorsassoc.com/ccarampantcolt.htm

[east_tx]

It looks like this gun in 1922 was in great demand by everyone (law enforcement, gangsters, military, and even the I.R.A.). 4 staunch gentlemen, dressed in their respective garb of the 1922 day, while holding the Thompson in hand would get my attention on the cover of a magazine.

This is a very historical gun. Thanks for posting----this gave me a chance to learn a little more about the gun in history. Good luck, Chris. Let us know what you come up with.

[Roy]

This could be a lot of fun! Experiment and congrats on landing the project!
I'd definately try some with someone at least holding the gun but get in close where you have a hand and partial arm but mostly the gun. Lots of things to try as you can see by the past covers. Good luck!