Fireground Action Photography

FAP Episode 39 - Wildland Fire Photography

craig@firegroundaction.com (Craig M. Durling) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 20:49:28 -0700

On this episode of Fireground Action Photography we're joined once again by legendary fire videographer Alan Simmons of www.firestormvideos.com. It's wildfire season in So Cal and we'll go in depth about what a photographer should expect during a wildland fire and what he/she should do to prepare.

FAP Episode 38 - Canon HFS10, shooting 4th of July fireworks & ethics on posting pics on the web

craig@firegroundaction.com (Craig M. Durling) — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 13:47:17 -0700

On this episode of Fireground Action Photography we're joined by photographers Timothy Tonge and Ted Pendergast for a discussion on the new Canon HFS10 HD camcorder, shooting fireworks displays on the 4th of July and ethical issues that arise when posting images on the web.

FAP Episode 37 - Videographer Alan Simmons & Wildfire Season Preview

craig@firegroundaction.com (Craig M. Durling) — Sun, 7 Jun 2009 00:30:03 -0700

On this episode of Fireground Action Photography we're joined by legendary fire videographer Alan Simmons of www.firestormvideos.com. We'll get to know a little more about him, his history in the fire service and his background as a successful fire videographer. We'll also review some significant fires and preview the upcoming fire season.

FAP Episode 36 - The Triumphant Return of Joe Brown

craig@firegroundaction.com (Craig M. Durling) — Fri, 22 May 2009 21:37:53 -0700

On this episode of Fireground Action Photography we're joined by photographer Joe Brown. We chat about a mish-mosh of relevant topics including a cool new iPhone app called "Emergency Radio" that lets you monitor the audio streams from departments across the country, a report on a large church fire in Cambridge, Mass., a Flickr group update and more. Craig debriefs a recent photo project which sparks discussion on several topics. Check out Ted Pendergast and Rick Nohl's websites for images from the Cambridge church fire. Did you know that Fireground Action Photography now has it's own Facebook page? Become our friend! Also, AKDave posted a link in the Flickr group to an interesting article from JEMS on EMS photography.

FAP Episode 35 - Burbank Fire Service Day 2009

craig@firegroundaction.com (Craig M. Durling) — Sun, 10 May 2009 12:10:22 -0700

On this episode of Fireground Action Photography we take you into the field as we attend the Fire Service Day events in Burbank, California. Ross B. and I manned a display of fireground photographs at the event and took the opportunity to record some interviews, reactions as well as some sounds from the event.

FAP Episode 34 - Fire Photo Roundtable #2 - Advice for the Newcomer

craig@firegroundaction.com (Craig M. Durling) — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 11:47:21 -0700

On this episode of Fireground Action Photography we're joined by photographers Rick Nohl, Timothy Tonge and Kenji Luster. We gather for a photo roundtable discussion in response to listener email asking "What advice do you have for someone just starting out in emergency services photography?"

FAP Episode 33 - Fire & Aviation Photographer Bill Hartenstein

craig@firegroundaction.com (Craig M. Durling) — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 01:26:53 -0700

On this episode of Fireground Action Photography we're joined by fire, aviation and aerospace photographer Bill Hartenstein. Bill shares his experiences from covering not only two decades of firefighting, but over twenty NASA space shuttle and countless rocket launches. Bill also shares with us the moments leading up to and following the loss of the Space Shuttle Columbia and crew.

FAP Episode 32 - Detroit Update, Traveling with your Photo Gear & SmugMug

craig@firegroundaction.com (Craig M. Durling) — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 12:10:53 -0700

On this episode of Fireground Action Photography photographer Rick Nohl joins us for an an update on his latest fire buffing trip to Detroit, Michigan. Rick uses SmugMug for not only displaying and selling his images, but as his primary website. We'll get his thoughts on using SmugMug. We'll also share our thoughts and experiences on flying with your photo gear.

FAP Episode 31 - SmugMug and Tech Talk (Scanners and Radios)

craig@firegroundaction.com (Craig M. Durling) — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 15:27:56 -0700

On this episode of Fireground Action Photography photographer Ted Pendergast joins us for a discussion on SmugMug as a venue for your displaying and selling your images. We also talk tech and share our choices for scanners and radios.

FAP Episode 30 - Water, water everywhere...

craig@firegroundaction.com (Craig M. Durling) — Sun, 1 Mar 2009 00:01:00 -0800

On this episode of Fireground Action Photography we're joined by Fire Photographers Timothy Tonge and Joe Brown. Joe has just returned from covering an ice rescue in Woburn, Massachusetts and shares the story, his experiences, observations, thought process and workflow. Oh, and I spill water all over myself.

FAP Episode 29 - Fire Photo Roundtable #1

craig@firegroundaction.com (Craig M. Durling) — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 16:20:33 -0800

On this episode of Fireground Action Photography we're joined by Fire Photographers Timothy Tonge, Ted Pendergast, Joe Brown and Ross A. Benson for a roundtable discussion on several topics: making ethical and moral decisions at an emergency scene, professionalism, how you approach a given scene, your mental checklist at a scene and scene safety.

FAP Episode 28 - Nikon Chat and More on Available Light

craig@firegroundaction.com (Craig M. Durling) — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 00:00:01 -0800

On this episode of Fireground Action Photography we're again joined by photographers Timothy Tonge and Joe Brown. We'll chat about Nikon with long-time users Tim and Joe as well as continue our discussion on available light shooting techniques. We'll also update everyone on our recent poll results.

FAP Episode 27 - Portrait Photography

craig@firegroundaction.com (Craig M. Durling) — Sun, 8 Feb 2009 00:22:19 -0800

On this episode of Fireground Action Photography we're joined by photographers Timothy Tonge and Joe Brown. Tim and Joe bring us some tips we can all use to take spectacular portraits. Whether you take portraits of firefighting personnel, dignitaries or your local soccer team, you're sure to get something out of this episode. Using images in our "Fireground" Flickr Group for reference, click on the link on the site and follow along with us!

FAP Episode 26 - Fire Photographer Andy Thomas & Available Light

craig@firegroundaction.com (Craig M. Durling) — Sun, 1 Feb 2009 00:09:44 -0800

On this episode of Fireground Action Photography we meet Wichita, Kansas Fire Photographer Andy Thomas and learn about his background as well as what it's like to shoot in the Wichita area. We also talk about shooting using "available light" - the pros and cons as well as common techniques for making those great low-light shots.

FAP Episode 25 - Burbank Fire Chief Tracy Pansini - Part II

craig@firegroundaction.com (Craig M. Durling) — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 00:01:00 -0800

On this episode of Fireground Action Photography we conclude our interview with Burbank, California Fire Chief Tracy Pansini. In the second of a two-part series the Chief shares experiences in the fire service and, as an advocate of the fire photographer, offers advice and shares his thoughts on their roll in the fire service.

FAP Episode 24 - Burbank Fire Chief Tracy Pansini - Part I

craig@firegroundaction.com (Craig M. Durling) — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 14:50:15 -0800

On this episode of Fireground Action Photography we present part one of our interview with Burbank, California Fire Chief Tracy Pansini. In the first of a two-part series the Chief shares his background and experiences in the fire service. As an advocate of the fire photographer, Chief Pansini offers advice and shares his thoughts on their roll in the fire service.

FAP Episode 23 - Marketing & Getting Published

craig@firegroundaction.com (Craig M. Durling) — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 09:49:17 -0800

This week we're joined once again by New England-based photographer Joe Brown. We'll respond to an email for a listener who asks how to market your photos and get your work published. We'll also talk about how important your "brand" is in getting your name out there.

FAP Episode 22 - Photographer Joe Brown and our New Years Photo Resolutions

craig@firegroundaction.com (Craig M. Durling) — Sun, 4 Jan 2009 15:03:49 -0800

On this episode of Fireground Action Photography we meet New England-based photographer Joe Brown. We'll also review some of our 2009 New Years PHOTO Resolutions.

FAP Episode 21 - The First Twenty

craig@firegroundaction.com (Craig M. Durling) — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 12:11:27 -0800

On this episode of Fireground Action Photography we'll remind ourselves to register our 2008 images. We'll also wrap up 2008 by reviewing our first twenty episodes. Happy New Year!

FAP Episode 20 - Christmas Cards & Keeping It Simple, Stupid!

craig@firegroundaction.com (Craig M. Durling) — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 10:25:43 -0800

In this episode of Fireground Action Photography we'll use Ross's recent department Christmas card project as a good reminder for us all just in case we're asked to do the same. Craig will share a recent experience photographing a group of police officers which reminded him to "Keep It Simple Stupid!"

FAP Episode 19 - Detroit Update & Covering Incidents During the Holiday Season

craig@firegroundaction.com (Craig M. Durling) — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 21:10:35 -0800

In this episode of Fireground Action Photography we're joined by Rick Nohl who will give us a report on his recent Detroit fire buffing trip and a few tips on planning your own. We'll also talk about the increase in fire activity during the holiday season and some things to consider when covering these incidents.

FAP Episode 18 - CPS & Holiday Gift Ideas

craig@firegroundaction.com (Craig M. Durling) — Sun, 7 Dec 2008 10:14:49 -0800

In this episode of the Fireground Action Photography podcast Rick Nohl joins us from Boston to talk about the upcoming changes to Canon's CPS program. We'll also run down our Christmas lists and see what gadgets and gear photographers may want this year.

FAP Episode 17 - Old School

craig@firegroundaction.com (Craig M. Durling) — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 14:18:03 -0800

In this episode of the Fireground Action Photography podcast I'm joined by Ross Benson and Mike Bolton. Ross and Mike shot for local newspapers together 30 years ago and join us with not only some great old stories but to share with us how it "used to be". What was photojournalism like before the internet, cell phones, and of course, digital cameras?

FAP Episode 16 - So Cal Wildfire Wrap-up, New Federal Law Affecting Photogs & our Picks for Photo Vests & Jackets

craig@firegroundaction.com (Craig M. Durling) — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 11:44:38 -0800

In this episode of the Fireground Action Photography podcast I'm joined by Ross Benson and Ted Pendergast. We'll have a wrap-up of the recent Southern California wildland fire coverage. We'll let you know about a new federal law requiring anyone (including photographers) to wear a reflective safety vest while working incidents on federally funded highways. We'll also give you our picks for photo vests and jackets.

FAP Episode 15 - So Cal Wildfires...from the Fireground

craig@firegroundaction.com (Craig M. Durling) — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 14:33:00 -0800

In this episode of the Fireground Action Photography podcast we bring you the Southern California wildfires from the fireground. With handheld MP3 recorder in hand I share my experience on the front lines of the Sayre and Corona wildfires.

FAP Episode 14 - Fire Photographer Timothy Tonge

craig@firegroundaction.com (Craig M. Durling) — Sat, 8 Nov 2008 11:06:15 -0800

In this episode of the Fireground Action Photography podcast we meet Colorado based Fire and Railroad Photographer Timothy Tonge. We'll discuss Tim's thoughts on the new Nikons, his relationship with the Castle Rock Fire Department as well as how the colder months change the way he shoots incidents. Our Gadget of the Week is the "Blazer" Quick-Connect Goggle System by HotShield.

FAP Episode 13 - Photographing a Fire Academy

craig@firegroundaction.com (Craig M. Durling) — Sat, 1 Nov 2008 23:48:12 -0700

In this episode Ross B. tells us what he's experienced while photographing a Fire Recruit Academy as they learn the trade. Our Gadget of the Week is the Pantone Huey monitor color correction system.

FAP Episode 12 - New England-based Fire Photographers Rick Nohl & Ted Pendergast

craig@firegroundaction.com (Craig M. Durling) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 19:20:27 -0700

In this episode of the Fireground Action Photography podcast we bring our East Coast crew! Ross and I are joined by New England-based fire photographers Rick Nohl and Ted Pendergast.

FAP Episode 11 - Web Designer Andrew Greenstein

craig@firegroundaction.com (Craig M. Durling) — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 00:01:00 -0700

In this episode of the Fireground Action Photography podcast we visit with Phoenix-based web designer Andrew Greenstein. Andrew gives us all some useful tips on how to create a professional looking photo website and what to stay away from when designing your on-line portfolio.

FAP Episode 10 - Painting With Light

craig@firegroundaction.com (Craig M. Durling) — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 14:27:54 -0700

In this episode of the Fireground Action Photography podcast we discuss a lighting technique that will be a great addition to any photographer's bag of tricks, "painting with light".

FAP Episode 09 - Shooting on a Budget

craig@firegroundaction.com (Craig M. Durling) — Sun, 5 Oct 2008 11:10:02 -0700

In this episode of the Fireground Action Photography podcast we discuss the different ways a photographer, novice or veteran, can shoot on a budget. How can you get a camera cheaper? How can you save money on equipment and accessories? How can you (and we) shop smarter to save you money in the long run? We'll use some of our own tricks as well as some from listeners to help save you money when buying camera equipment.

FAP Episode 08 - The Mobile Office & Gadget of the Week

craig@firegroundaction.com (Craig M. Durling) — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 01:07:59 -0700

In this episode of the Fireground Action Photography podcast we discuss a topic suggested by a listener in Sweden: The Mobile Office. How do you send pictures to clients from the field? Craig reviews a helpful gadget he's been using for years now...the portable vehicle jumpstart/booster pack.

FAP Episode 07 - New Canon Releases

craig@firegroundaction.com (Craig M. Durling) — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 09:17:00 -0700

In this episode of the Fireground Action Photography podcast we talk about Canon's announcement regarding the release of the EOS 5D Mark II, EOS 50D, PowerShot G10 and the 24mm 1.4 lens. In our new "Gadget of the Week" segment, Ross reviews a helmet-mounted flashlight bracket from Black Jack.

FAP Episode 06 - Backing Up

craig@firegroundaction.com (Craig M. Durling) — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 13:48:36 -0700

In this episode of the Fireground Action Photography podcast we're joined once again by fire photographers Ross A. Benson and Kenji Luster. We'll talk about the importance of backing up your images and different methods for doing so. We'll also get an in-depth incident report from Ross B. who recently covered a small plane crash in Burbank, California.

FAP Episode 05 - Kenji Luster and Communications

craig@firegroundaction.com (Craig M. Durling) — Sun, 7 Sep 2008 00:09:30 -0700

In this episode of the Fireground Action Photography podcast, we'll meet veteran fire photographer Kenji Luster. Kenji will join Ross Benson and I in a discussion about the importance of incident notification and what technology may be best for your needs. We'll go in depth about the different notification methods out there and take a look at where it's all going.

FAP Episode 04 - Perspectives

craig@firegroundaction.com (Craig M. Durling) — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 14:46:20 -0700

In this episode of the Fireground Action Photography podcast we discuss the timeless debate...vertical vs. horizontal...or both? When do you want to shoot vertically oriented images and when do you want to shoot horizontally oriented images? Also, we'll talk about changing your perspective. The world isn't always best seen at eye level. Change the perspective of your images and shoot from low angles, high angles, and whatever other unique angle you can come up with. This freshens your images and gives the viewer a perspective they may not have experienced.

FAP Episode 03 - Shooting Modes

craig@firegroundaction.com (Craig M. Durling) — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 23:09:58 -0700

In this episode fire photographers Craig Durling and Ross Benson will discuss camera "Mode" settings. When do you select what mode and why? Do you shoot primarily in Program mode? Aperture Priority? Hopefully no Automatic...We'll discuss this in detail. A listener reminds us all to protect the images displayed on our websites by disabling the right-click function. We've found an effective source for this important bit of HTML code.

FAP Episode 02 - Our Fireground Gear

craig@firegroundaction.com (Craig M. Durling) — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:18:07 -0700

In this episode Ross Benson returns as we review the gear we take with us onto the fireground. What photography equipment do we use at any given emergency scene and what safety gear do we have with us? What pieces of equipment do we always have with us? In our vehicles? In our pockets? And why? We'll talk about all of this and throw in a few stories along the way.

FAP Episode 01 - Ross Benson & CFPA

craig@firegroundaction.com (Craig M. Durling) — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 13:30:12 -0700

In this episode we meet legendary Southern California-based fire photographer Ross A. Benson and discuss his background, experiences and his involvement with the California Fire Photographers Association (CFPA).