TECHNICAL PHOTOGRAPHY
Technical photography
demands images that are more than simply "clear." The photographer
must understand the purpose of the image, who will be using it, and for what
purposes.
The "cracked frames" image is part of a report on a badly deteriorated,
large wooden motor yacht. A Marine Architect using this, and some 50 other
photos showing details of the yacht, will estimate the cost to refit the yacht.
Typically, these projects can cost upwards of $200,000. The process heater
photo is one of several dozen used to successfully illustrate and promote
a manufacturer's capabilities to international buyers.
Photojournalism demands an accurate portrayal of the persons, activity, and
machinery involved if the image is to compliment the text in the article.
The photo of the U.S.Coast Guard Cutter OUACHITA transiting a lock and the
utility crew installing fiberoptical cable are examples.
Forensic photography requires the photographer to have knowledge of the physical
and chemical processes that caused the observed conditions. The fire-damaged
instrument panel may seem obvious, but the temperature to which the entire
boat has been subjected was at issue for insurance loss determination. Distortion
of the panel must be clearly shown; coupled with data about the plastic, this
distortion tells the story. The hull has been seriously overheated and the
boat was a constructive loss.
Click for larger images - about 50 to 150 kb each.
Hull deterioration in a classic wooden motor-yacht. |
Utility crew installing ducting for fibre-optic cable. |
Fire damage - one of dozens of insurance claims in a massive marina fire. |
Hull damage, same motor-yacht as above. |
A "packaged" process heater and controls for service on an offshore
oil drilling platform. |
An A.C. power panel in a 45 ft. motor yacht. |
Restoration project results, a large power yacht. |
Trim tabs control system in a sea-going power yacht. |
U.S. Coast Guard bouy tender OUACHIA transiting a lock on the Tennessee
River. |
