Posing A Fireman!!

[Rox74]

Ok, so first I have to brag. My little nephew (well, he's 22 and 6'2" but isn't supposed to be that grown up already) was hired as 1 of 4 of the 1st paid firemen in Decatur this month and was sworn in on Monday. He has had to overcome so much in his life and has turned out to be such an amazing young man... and I am sooo proud of him that I just get tears in my eyes thinking about it. In October, he will be the 1st paramedic on staff for the FD. Enough bragging already, I'll get to the point.

I am going to the Fire House next weekend to get some shots of him. I need ideas. I really want to wow him and get some amazing shots that are different. Any ideas? Any samples that you can show? I want to make sure to include the truck and his gear in some way. I have a few ideas but need more suggestions. This job is really important to him which makes my job really special to me. I want to do whatever I can to make these perfect. THANKS FOR YOUR HELP!!

[robert guillemette]

being a firefighter also -- the standard shots of in the jump seat or with partial gear - bunkerpants on coat over sholder- or holding a nozzle are great, have him pose in front of the pumper if possible and with you from a low angle shoot upward, then from about a 45 degree angle so the side is included, get up in the hosebed and shoot toward the jumpseat, being a paramedic get him with the ambulance - if available - with some equipment out. I thing once you get to the station your imagination will take over and you will see the photo opportunities. Congradulations to him and may he have a safe and long career.

[Rox74]

Thanks for the advice! He seemed excited about it last night when I talked to him so that makes me look forward to it also! Do you have any samples to share by chance?

[Wes]

Hmmmm.... in my experience, posing firefighters is kind of difficult. My brother is a batallion chief up in the St. Louis area and I took my gear to one of the firehouses in his district. Most of the guys just acted like they didn't want to be bothered, but a few of them were cooperative. These guys tend to be bit of a different breed.

[brad]

There's this one we shot at Fran's Workshop last January of our forum's own Wyatt...

[Rox74]

Originally Posted by Wes

Hmmmm.... in my experience, posing firefighters is kind of difficult. My brother is a batallion chief up in the St. Louis area and I took my gear to one of the firehouses in his district. Most of the guys just acted like they didn't want to be bothered, but a few of them were cooperative. These guys tend to be bit of a different breed.

It's kind of funny you say that because I was expecting that kind of response. Maybe because it's new to them but he and his partner were all about it! Of course getting in front of them with the camera may be different!! From the looks of the pictures that were taken the night they were sworn in, they appear to be hams!!

Brad - thanks for posting, I love that picture. My next concern is the lighting. I mean, you haven't trained me on that one yet!!

[wyatt]

Hey! Try looking at this:
http://www.hummingbirdai.com/firepolice/index.html

It's my old web site, no longer public, but you might get some ideas. Not exactly the same kind of thing you're going for, but maybe some help.

Congrats to your nephew!

Wyatt

[Gambit]

Since it's his first professional firefighter job, here's a thought...

Sitting at a table, NOT in gear. Arms crossed on table, chin on arms, or perhaps elbows on table and chin cupped in hands. Across the table is the folded uniform with the hat on top, which he's contemplating. In the background or a reflection get stuff like truck, other firemen in gear, etc. Could be a powerful shot if lit dramatically.

[carrbowl]

I have had to shoot someone in a firefighters gear a couple times and the problem I have had is if you use the flash, it makes the stripes stick out.

[Huck]

either way you go, you have to share your work with us!

[Rox74]

Thanks everyone for the tips... love Wyatt's pictures!! I'll be doing it next weekend so I will definitely post some results afterwards.

Thanks also for the congrats... I'll make sure and pass them on! He definitely has something to be proud of! (Not to mention, it just adds a good looking fireman to the group).

[lucian]

Congratulations to your nephew.

Below is a montage I did a while back. It might give you some ideas, especially when you have a dozen or so shots that are just too good not to use. Firefighters make those "too good not to use" shots pretty easy to get sometimes.

[brianmcho]

nice lighting brad.