First time photoshoot techniques/ideas?

[GracieGray]

Hey there! This is my first post and my first time on a Photography forum. My name is Gracie and I'm a high school student who just loves to take photos. (I'm sure any teen could say that, but give me some time, and I'll show you I've got some talent.)

I am in a contest right now where I am supposed to take photographs of my county's best features. I had the idea that I could take a photo of my machine shop teacher in his shop - something not seen unless you're a student or an administrator at the high school. I mean, why not combine the two things I love, photography and welding/milling?

I've never taken any pictures of people where they're paying attention. Usually, they're candid. I just thought I would ask for some advice as well as technique ideas.

I know that sounds sad, considering that I stated above that I'm a photographer, but I usually do animals, sporting events, cars, or greenery. I'd love to be able to go in and take some good photos without being too awkward or odd.

I would love to incorperate him and the machines - we've got five milling machines, six if you count "old faithful," (a milling machine from the 50's) or him and welding, if he'd be keen on that. Do you guys have any ideas pertaining to this?

Like I said, I'm new to this, and I know I don't want to take your run of the mill (haha, punny) eye-to-eye portrait. I want it to be odd, maybe a little on the "grungy" side, because machine tools is not a "clean" class just as his photos shouldn't be cut and dry.

Also, any ideas on how to keep it as in-awkward and not weird? I've never done this kind of thing before, so...

Thank you very much!

If you're curious, examples of my work can be found here.

[JFSanders]

First thing to do is to talk to your prospective model. Tell him what it is that you are trying to accomplish and he will most likely have some idea as to how it can be done. You will need lighting to create dramatic shadows without having blown out shiny parts as the machines will have many reflective surfaces. If the scene is static and the machine is not running then you may have more options for posing. But if the machine is running then he will have to pay attention to that and nothing else. There are metals that get red hot or throw sparks as they are milled and turned so look to use those types to get drama into your scene. Google industrial images and see what there is out there. If you do a welding scene make sure your camera is setup for shooting what is going to be brighter than the sun otherwise you may damage your camera sensor to the point of no return.

Good luck.

Jim

[zona5101]

here's a lesson from photoflex on just that subject...I understand you may not have all the lighting gear shown in the lesson but the concepts , and shutter/fstops used may give you some help. Good luck.
Man of Steel