Photographic opportunities abound at industrial sites. Industrial photography can be done in factories, shipyards, mines, and manufacturing plants. They have it all: gritty machinery, sweaty employees, untidy industrial landscapes, and interesting lighting options.
Start your career as an industrial photographer with these 10 tips.

Industrial Photography: Where to go?

Townships often grow around industrial sites. These industrial sites are a valuable source of employment and resources. They also serve as a historical record for the city or town.
Sometimes towns and cities move away from industrial sites making it a little more difficult to find them.
You’ll find industrial sites nearby if you notice smoke stacks, silos or cooling systems. Truck traffic can also be a sign that you are on the right track.
Industrial photography does not have to revolve around large industrial sites. Industrial Photography can also be found in smaller factories, wreckers and metal works.
Ask your local metal or car wreckers if you can come take photos for them. You’ll find that finding industrial clients doesn’t take much effort.
Professional photos of manufacturing or processing plants are often sought by corporate clients.
These are great opportunities for commercial photographers and industrial photographers.

Safety Tips for Your Gear and You

Research

• You and others can be at risk when you photograph industrial sites. The accessibility and function of industrial sites and construction sites can vary. Safety must always be the top priority.
• It is best to familiarize yourself with the shooting location. Google Maps is a great tool to use if you have seen a site that you would like to photograph. It’s a good idea to check out the website of the company.
• It’s also a good idea to drive past the site, and take a look around. Be sure to avoid any fencing or restricted areas.
• Contact the site administrator once you have done your research. Never try to access a website without permission.
• In the past, I have found that staff members are usually happy to assist you. This is especially true if they receive copies of your images as a thank-you.

The Day

• After you get the go-ahead, keep a few points in mind. It is important to wear appropriate clothing that can withstand the weather conditions. Dress in a long-sleeved, thick top, with bright colors, and full-length pants. Wear enclosed, waterproof footwear. If you can, get shoes with steel cap.
• Be prepared to get a bit dirty.
• A site manager can arrange to have someone accompany you on the job site. You may be provided with a hardhat, high-visibility jacket, hairnets and protective glasses if needed. Always wear all safety gear.
• Respect the environment and industrial workers. They’re likely to be working hard during your photo shoot.
• You should always follow directions. You can then focus on your photography and avoid danger zones!

Industrial Photography Equipment

If I could, I would pack a lot of industrial photography equipment into my bag. It’s best to pack as little as you can, so that you have more room to move. Here’s the problem.
Industrial sites can be quite dark. A tripod and a low shutter speed are required. Do your best. Only take the essentials, and leave your second camera behind.
This is a list of the equipment that I recommend you bring;

• A camera
• A card with a large capacity CF card
• Batteries or battery grips for spare cameras
• A Lens. (I recommend a Zoom lens for inaccessible places)
• A set of extensions tubes to macro opportunities
• Flash for the camera and batteries
• A tripod

Create Your Own Lighting Effects

Industrial photography offers lighting effects that you won’t find anywhere else.
The combination of sparks, intense artificial light, natural illumination, and red-hot glowing metal, as well as artificial lights, creates a variety of visual effects.
Prepare yourself for different lighting situations. Bring a tripod, a flash and don’t hesitate to experiment with exposure.

Capture Industrial Landscapes

The sheer size of large industrial sites is one of their most striking features. The sheer size of industrial buildings is a great way to show the incredible feats that modern construction can accomplish.
Don’t forget the larger picture when you are photographing an industrial location. Do a quick visual scan of the area around you while your eyes are off your camera.
You will become familiar with the environment in which you work for safety. You’ll also be able to take advantage of the opportunity to learn more about the industrial landscape.

Don’t forget the details

In many photography, the ability to focus on both the large and small picture simultaneously is a valuable skill. It’s easy for industrial sites to become a blur. You can also overlook the finer details in favor of a more immediate topic.
You can also focus on the details of rusty bolts or aged metal (often seen on safety signs). You can use these to add more depth and story to your work. These details give a series a tactility and depth.

One color to highlight emotions

Color brings scenarios to life. Our eyes are trained to look for color, even in the darkest industrial sites. Color can be used to enhance your industrial photography.
Colors are associated with emotions in the human mind. A photograph of an industrial setting can be enhanced by using different hues.
Imagine the yellow sparks from a grinder. The red of molten metal. Or the blue tints of sunlight creeping in. The use of color can reinforce the story in each image.

Include Industrial Workers

The industrial hum that permeates the urbanscape is a sign of life. It’s the humans who are the core of the machine. Although taking photos of people in the workplace may seem intrusive at first, most people enjoy having their picture taken. Ask!
Wearing extra protection is recommended if you plan to take photos right next to workers. This could make it harder to use your equipment.
Use a tripod, or a solid surface when you can.

Take Dramatic Pictures by Changing Your Perspective

The industrial photography allows viewers to experience a world that they might not have seen in person. ‘s creative use of perspective goes one step beyond.
A well-executed perspective image places the viewer directly at the location of the camera. Try putting your camera down on the ground, out of the way for workers. You can also climb to a higher point and take pictures of the scene below.
You’ll discover that unusual perspectives reveal more about the language and culture of the environment than standard viewpoints.

How to photograph abandoned industrial sites

Many abandoned industrial sites are scattered around the globe. Others are in a state of disarray and are in ruins, while others are still intact. Many are vandalised and accessed illegally, but they make for fascinating photographic subjects.
It’s worth contacting the owner before you access the website. You’ll avoid a fine and a trip to the police station, if you are unlucky.
A abandoned industrial site should be photographed with extreme caution. There will be no safety officer to assist you. Hazards like broken glass or unstable surfaces can be difficult to avoid.
Exploring the life cycle of industry by abandoned architectural is a fascinating aspect of industrial photography. Ask permission before you proceed and be cautious.

Conclusion

Industrial photography can be a powerful tool for creating a compelling body of work. It’s possible to capture the details of an industrial landscape, or take portraits of hard-working workers.
Industrial photography is a worthwhile endeavor, even if it takes you out of your comfort zone. Follow above instructions, maintain personal safety and post your results!