Fire Scene Photography – Gear

I’ve recently been recruited to be the “official” photographer at an upcoming wedding which made me dig my camera gear back out and refresh myself on it.  Unfortunately I haven’t done as much shooting as I should have over the past couple years, and I had to get back into the swing of things.  I’ve been doing research on wedding photography, as I know its a whole different ballgame than fire scene photography.

As I’ve been researching, it has re-ignited my interest in photography.  I thought that I would start some discussions regarding fire scene photography, as we have quite a few fire buffs in the area (although not too many incident scene pictures have been sent to my inbox lately – hint, hint, nudge, nudge, wink, wink).

So my first article in this series is just about gear.  I figured I’d explain what gear I have and hope others via the comments or on the forums will chime in on what they have, use, and works best for them in different situations.

I personally have a Canon Rebel XT body.  I bought it back around 2003 and have been very happy with it.  I found the learning curve to not be too bad, but I also found now that I know what the settings do, I have to better work on picking the right settings.  I have a kit 18-55mm lens and a 70-300mm lens, both of which are just basic low end lenses.  Due to the upcoming wedding, I came to the conclusion it was vital for having an external flash and not rely on the built-in flash, so I recently picked up a Canon Speedlight 430 EX II.  I also have a tripod that I rarely if ever use, and a couple of batteries, memory cards, uv filters, and other miscellaneous stuff.

I was fortunate enough to borrow a 70-200mm IS L 2.8 lens from a co-worker for the wedding and a 24-70mm L 2.8 lens.  To quote Borat, “Wow wow wee wow!”.  These lenses are sharp as hell, and I can’t put them down.  The only problem I’m finding with them is since they retail for about $1700 and $1200 respectively, I’m nervous I’m going to scuff them up or scratch them.   The wedding hasn’t taken place yet, but I’m confident with those lenses that I will get some results that I want.  I have been keeping the scanner close by, waiting for a call that would be worth shooting, but to this point things are quiet or I’m busy when the calls come in.  I’d love to see what these two can do on a fire or accident scene.  The 70-200mm gives you enough zoom power to catch the shots when you are on the sidelines at a scene and the 24-70mm is a great walk around lens.  The only thing missing for me would be a more wide angle lense, like the 10-20mm Canon lens, but hey, beggars can’t be choosers, especially when the lenses have to be given back in a week or so .

After being spoiled with the borrowed lenses, I’m looking to upgrade my gear with at least a nice walk-around lens.  For those not into photography, a walk-around lens is a lens that has a nice range of focal points, meaning it will get some close ups and some wide angles with the same lens, without the need to be changing lenses for every shot.  Like everything else though, money is a factor and I’m stuck with that decision of, will a $500-$600 lens be good enough instead of a $1200 lens?  I personally think that if I’m buying, to bite the bullet and get the better lens.  I mean, I have this web site and I get use out of the camera (when its not sitting on the car seat or my locker at the station) during fire incidents and regular home use.  I guess it really doesn’t matter, as I don’t have the funds for the lower range at this point anyways.  I have been looking at used ones though and it seems like that may be the way to go.

Well, if you read through all the rambling, and are still reading this, you now know what Mr Hoopie World is equipped with if you see him at incidents or parades.  I’m curious to hear what gear you all have.  Be sure to leave a comment or discuss on the forums what gear you have.

Look forward to future fire scene photography articles, including techniques and best practices.

Related posts:

1. Upcoming Fire Scene Photography Article
2. Fire Scene Photography – Interview w/ Allegheny County Deputy Fire Marshal Michael Shawley
3. Is Fire Buffing In Western Pa Dead?
4. Retired state trooper retells 9/11 scene in Shanksville