The photography of large machines or equipment, such as hydraulic presses and aircraft during rework or ships during construction or overhaul, presents special problems. The bigger the equipment or unit, the more difficult it is to photograph.

In many instances, the equipment may be part of the industrial production setup and the picture making must be planned so it does not interfere with production.

Pictures may be needed at various stages of work to show wiring, piping, and components that are concealed during later steps of production. Pictures are able to show the location and methods of production and assembly. These pictures are often used to highlight certain aspects of work equipment failures, repairs, and modifications.

The Right Viewpoint

When you photograph large equipment or machines (fig. 6-22). a series of pictures is one of the best ways to cover the assignment. The larger and more complex the subject, the greater the need for a series of pictures. The series of pictures should be planned to record important details of the subject. The views to be considered are as follows:

Plane views-show detail in various components and parts of the equipment

JOCS R.P. Benjamin 302.282 Figure 6-23. Catapult retraction system.

Relationship views-show the relationship or association of various parts and components, one to another (fig. 6-23)

Complete views-show the equipment from different angles

The plane view is made of an entire unit or, if the unit is very large, segments of the unit. Plane views are also made of sections of large units to show greater detail. Along with the plane views, three-quarter views may be needed to show the relationship of unit parts that do not appear in the plane views. Complete overall views of the subject are often made from a high viewpoint. An oblique view from a high vantage point often shows the three-dimensional relationship between equipment parts.

Figure 6-24. A starboard-bow view of the Soviet-guided missile cruiser Slava.