Wetdowns
Wetdowns are an activity that is held to welcome a new piece of apparatus. These events are also sometimes called “housing” a new rig. Tradition holds that the old apparatus washes down the new piece and then sometimes it is pushed by hand into the station as would have been done in days of the hand drawn engines. In modern times apparatus from the host company are joined by nearby departments and the activity varies widely from the new rig running a gauntlet of hose streams to an all out water fight using fire apparatus (squirt guns be damned!). Wetdowns usually have a family picnic or carnival feel to them so expect a light and happy mood. Don’t forget to bring some cash, there are there are often t-shirts and food for sale to help support the department.
Scheduling: Invitations are normally sent out nearby fire companies for wetdowns. Fire Department websites and fire buff message boards are good sources for these events. Local media on occasion reports wetdowns in their event calendars.
Shooting:
Unless you intend to shoot from a considerable distance away from the action with long zoom expect to get WET and expect your camera will get wet. Prepare accordingly, with a rain cover for your camera or consider using a waterproof point and shoot or single use camera. Where there is water there are many interesting effects to photograph, be alert for reflections, rainbows, and soaking wet firefighters and kids. These elements provide color, depth and interest in the photos.
Musters
Musters
Firemen’s Musters as politically incorrect as that may sound are still alive and well, of course women’s teams are participating and oftentimes giving the men a run for their money! Musters can vary from static displays of fire apparatus to the intense fire department racing events. Most musters do have some form of competition associated with them so expect a ton of action and fun!
Scheduling:
Muster Associations and Leagues often have websites or message boards that can be accessed to find out their schedules. Musters are oftentimes part of larger events such as parades or carnivals. Some fire companies use them as fund raisers as well.
Shooting:
A muster will provide plenty of action to try out your camera’s automatic sports setting, a fast shutter speed starting at 1/800, panning or burst photography. Like any sporting event there is much pride and emotion invested in the event. Seek out close ups of the celebration of victory, the anguish of defeat and the kindness of sportsmanship. A zoom lens will be very helpful in catching the teams as they race down the track. Intermissions between events are great times to get shots of the racing trucks or team group shots.
Planning:
As was mentioned with parades, having your camera and gear ready to go will make the day much more enjoyable. With permission of the event organizers and/or the judges shooting from or near the track will give you shots above and beyond the snap shots quality, another good location is just past the finish line, all the while keeping safety in mind.
Events:
Fund Raisers and Fire Prevention Week.
Attending and shooting fundraisers such as firemen’s balls, bingo nights, steak bakes, pig roasts helps support the area fire companies. Working with the fire companies public relations and the local media your photos can help spread the word regarding how successful the event was or how much more support is still needed. Fire Prevention Week sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association is held the first week of October in conjunction with the October 7th anniversary of the 1872 Great Chicago Fire. Many fire departments hold open houses or visit the local schools to spread the word on smoke alarms, how to call 9-1-1, stop, drop and roll. Kids and firefighters are always great subjects. Again working with the appropriate people your photos can help educate the public.
Production:
The shooting is done and as soon as possible download the photos, process them as you see fit. Then the possibilities of what to do next are up to you. Publish them online, social networking sites, submit them to any number of online message boards, and local media outlets often accept viewer/reader submissions. Providing prints of good times to local stations that you shoot regularly on the fire ground can create goodwill that has the potential to pay off in the future. No matter where and how you choose to publish your work you should be clear about compensation (yes, you can get paid for your photographic work), copyrights, and the terms of use for your photographs. Be sure to provide your contact information should there be any questions. One last tidbit on your rights, you have a right to photograph in a public venue. If someone is asking you not to take photos please use some common sense and decency.
Now get back out there and get shooting!