Fire photography
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Fire photography is the act of taking photographs of firefighting operations. Individuals that practice this form of photography are called fire photographers.
Since fire photography involves being relatively close to incidents that are potentially dangerous, fire photographers need to have special skills and knowledge about emergency incident scenes, operations, health and safety[1]. Additionally, fire photographers are often required to wear the same protective equipment[2] as firefighters do.
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[edit] Uses of fire photography
The work that fire photographers do can have multiple applications:
- Investigation
- Training
- Fire prevention
- Post-incident analysis
- Improvement of the public's view on emergency work
- Strengthening of sense of belonging for firefighters
[edit] Involvement with fire departements
In general, fire photographers are not directly employed by fire departments. Instead, they provide a specialized photography service which may involve a fee on a per-photograph basis or other arrangements. Not being a paid firefighter means that access to safety perimeters can be an issue. As such, fire photographers usually develop good relationships with their local fire department to improve access to fire scenes. Such access may, at the fire department's discretion, require additional training or other arrangements.
[edit] Certification
A formal fire photographer certification process is being drafted by the International Organization of Fire Photography (IOFP). The intent of this certification is to attest that an individual has sufficient training, skills and knowledge in relevant areas (health & safety, firefighting operations, etc.) to operate safely within a safety perimeter on an emergency incident scene.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ Phillips, Chris, Fire Photography, <http://www.swpp.co.uk/professional_imagemaker/Fire.htm>. Retrieved on 26 February 2008
- ^ Nicolas, Landry, Fire photographers in action, Journal Le Reflet, <http://www.hebdos.net/lrd/edition262005/articles.asp?article_id=94652>. Retrieved on 26 February 2008
[edit] External links
- IOFP: International Organization of Fire Photography
- Fire Daily News: The Representative Journal of the International Organization of Fire Photography
- CFPA: California Fire Photographers Association
- AQSPI: Quebec Fire Photographers Association
- NJMFPA: New Jersey Metro Fire Photographers Association
