How do you collaborate and communicate with industrial clients and stakeholders?

1 Know your client's goals and expectations

Before you start any industrial photography project, you need to understand what your client wants and expects from you. What is the purpose of the images? Who is the target audience? What message or story do they want to convey? How will the images be used and distributed? These are some of the questions you should ask your client and clarify before you agree on the scope, budget, and timeline of the project. Knowing your client's goals and expectations will help you plan your shoot, choose your equipment, and compose your shots accordingly.

2 Research the industrial site and subject

Another important step in preparing for an industrial photography project is to research the industrial site and subject you will be photographing. This will help you familiarize yourself with the layout, lighting, safety, and access conditions of the site, as well as the features, functions, and benefits of the subject. You can also look for potential angles, perspectives, and compositions that will highlight the industrial site and subject in the best possible way. You can do your research by visiting the site in advance, studying online sources, or consulting with experts or workers who know the site and subject well.

3 Communicate and collaborate with the site manager and workers

One of the key aspects of industrial photography is to communicate and collaborate with the site manager and workers who are responsible for operating and maintaining the industrial site and subject. They are the ones who can provide you with valuable information, guidance, and assistance during your shoot. You should respect their authority, follow their instructions, and listen to their feedback. You should also inform them of your schedule, objectives, and requirements, and ask for their permission and cooperation before you take any photos. By communicating and collaborating with the site manager and workers, you can ensure a smooth and safe shoot, and also capture authentic and candid images of the industrial site and subject.

4 Use a variety of lenses and accessories

Industrial photography often requires a variety of lenses and accessories to capture different aspects and details of the industrial site and subject. You may need wide-angle lenses to show the scale and context of the site, telephoto lenses to zoom in on specific features or processes, macro lenses to reveal the texture and quality of the products, or tilt-shift lenses to correct the perspective and distortion of the buildings or machines. You may also need tripods, flashes, filters, reflectors, or remote triggers to stabilize, illuminate, enhance, or control your shots. You should always bring a backup camera, batteries, and memory cards in case of any malfunction or damage.

5 Be creative and flexible

Industrial photography is not only about documenting the reality of the industrial site and subject, but also about showcasing their beauty, complexity, and innovation. You should be creative and flexible in finding ways to make your images stand out and tell a compelling story. You can experiment with different angles, perspectives, compositions, lighting, colors, or post-processing techniques to create dynamic, dramatic, or artistic effects. You can also look for interesting contrasts, patterns, shapes, or textures that will add visual interest and appeal to your images. You should also be ready to adapt to changing situations, such as weather, traffic, or technical issues, and improvise solutions or alternatives.