How to photograph for a manufacturer?

Depending on the industrial field and the special market sector the typical plant sizes can vary. Inside very big factories it might be impossible to capture every single perspective in your camera. Therefore a thematically selection has to be made in mind, before the actual photo shoot is made. In Addition your customer or his marketing agency might have a wish list of interesting machines or perspectives in mind; ask them what they do expect from the photoshoot to be shown and what the photos are going to be used for.

It depends on the individual photoshoot what has to be shown on the corporate photos …

Patrick, our Manufacturing Photographer, is showing what to look at, when capturing photographs of a corporate business photo shooting for a commercial business and some editorial use. The image composition is one key for stunning architectural photos at the top. Nevertheless, a content related message isn’t less important to convey meaning at a glance for a utile effect at an external representation of a company.

What to photograph when capturing an industrial plant

An American automotive supplier has three locations in Europe from where they deliver mainly the German Car Industry; but also companies like Peugeot, Fiat, Jaguar, Renault, Citroen and Seat are delivered with engine parts from that factory. The two plants in Germany and the main plant in Romania will be photographed by our industrial photographer Patrick Zasada. In the two German locations individual engine parts such as connecting rods or nozzles for the ABS-System are produced, while in the Romanian factory, the complete combustion engines for almost all German and European automakers are manufactured. The pictures are needed for the website, as well as for general PR purposes (business reports, brochures, flyers & show stands). The industrial photos should give an impression of the premises of the work. Particular attention is paid to the impressive size of the plant properties. At two locations, however, no aerial drone photographs should be made, as the plant roof is currently not in a good condition and should therefore not be shown. In addition, the exact location should not be apparent, as with a publication of the location an increased risk of industrial espionage is feared. This presents a particular challenge when it comes to the portrayal of the huge factory dimensions. Ultimately, a good impression of the manufacturing and work processes, as well as the size of the object should be conveyed with beautiful and stunning pictures, without giving too much detail about the actual processes.

Shooting the exteriors of the manufacturing plant at three business locations

The exterior photos of the factory plants should show the size of the local industrial company locations in the first place. The exact location or city should not be recognizable. Therefore it is not easy to create pleasant looking pictures with a clear content. At first we should use Google Maps to get a first impression and an overview of the industrial location.

Aerial drone photography of the industrial location

After some research of the location and an idea of where interesting perspectives might be expected, it is possible to start a drone for aerial photography. However, depending in which Country you are, there might be different regulations and rules regarding the usage of drones. Within Europe the states Luxemburg, the Netherlands and Belgium have very strict rules regarding drones. In most other European Countries the laws aren’t that strict like for example in most US American States.

If you shouldn’t show to much information about the actual location, you should concentrate on some details, like the truck docking stations, at least.

Exterior photography of very big commercial buildings

Most industrial plants or other commercial factory buildings are very long and huge in size, but not highly built. Very long but low halls are complicated to be photographed in a handsome way from a normal camera perspectives view. After capturing the main office entrance to the plant, it is necessary to go at least one time around the complete industrial plant construction an have a look for further interesting perspectives.

Photographing the Interior of an Industrial Plant and the Working Processes

When capturing photos of a manufacturing plant be aware of the safety regulations and do not disturb any working processes. In most cases you will have to shoot a lot of perspectives since every single corner might seem interesting for you. In Addition most industrial plants a very big and potentially you will have noch second chance to reshoot a special perspective due to a lack of time. Do not waste your time by using a tripod for every single photo; instead it is more practicable to us a wide zoom lens with very good image stabilisation (VR). Use a tripod only if you are sure that this is that photo which will be the best from all!

Next to the classical estate photos of the plants interior and some machines or detail shoots, it is recommendable to show some manufacturing processes with people. Just add a couple of staff photos from the factory workers during their working processes.