tomcadman Loc: SoCal USA

I am a newbie looking for techniques to make dull subjects (i.e. Tube Steel Gates & Fences) look good.

(I have not shot any photos as yet, but I have attached a few examples from an account rep's phone camera for context.)

I am open to any and all suggestions that may help me do a good job supplying (mainly website) photos.

Thanks for any help you can provide,
-Tom

whwiden

Maybe get a macro lens to take some detail shots up close of parts, latches, etc.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

“If your photos aren’t good enough, then you’re not close enough” – Robert Capa

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Consider shooting closer and at ground level for an interesting perspective. If you have a tripod that can squat, great. If not, look at the Platypod.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

You have a significant challenge!

Two things come to mind. 1) Never take pictures during the middle of the day. Shoot in the first and last hour. 2) Review the basics of composition and then review the thousands of gate and fence images cataloged by Google that use good composition. Look for the best and copy the composition. https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1ASUT_enUS754US754&biw=1280&bih=633&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=YUIEW8D_C6ba0gLL3LfQAw&q=photos+of+fences+and+gates&oq=photos+of+fences+and+gates&gs_l=img.12...0.0.0.37275.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0..0.0....0...1c..64.img..0.0.0....0.r5PYxxxo5g4

R.G. Loc: Scotland

The best ones that you've posted are those that have a minimalist, surreal look to them.

tomcadman Loc: SoCal USA

Although I will be taking a few close-ups of motors, etc. the vast majority of shots will be entire gates and stretches of fence in context (i.e. "tight landscape").
-Tom

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Use these examples as a source of areas to improve too. From the final two, notice the distraction along the right edge of the frame. Take a step closer and avoid having this distraction in the frame. From the final example, why is the car behind the gate? Should the photographer have waited until this car exited the gate? Should they have captured the car in front of the gate instead?

All four of these examples appear to be a photographer standing straight up, with camera to eye, just photographing what they see. What they see is just the same as any other Joe or Jane Doe standing in the same place doing the same thing. How interesting is that?

Imagine the second image shot closer with a wide angle lens and the fence rods filling the entire frame. Image the photographer laying on the ground as close to the fence as possible. Something, anything to give the viewer something unique and different from just standing at a distance and shooting. Consider other angles where the horizon is near the top or bottom of the frame or anywhere else than through the center of the frame.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

First glaring characteristic of all of the photos you posted, horizon dead center vertically. Regardless of what one is photographing, composition will determine if the image is interesting, or the main subject of the photograph, etc. Lack of that, along with exposure, will produce an average or worse photograph.
--Bob

snfapm1983

I think you have a great opportunity to use shadows in your captures of gates, etc. like others have said “golden hours” will provide better light and very long, pronounced shadows. Add some bright color or back drop for even more drama and interest.

canon Lee

Hi Tom Composition is most important... Your shot needs to tell a story, but not the whole story, in that you need to leave some things out to add mystery and have the viewer's mind add to the picture.. Your shots show the whole scene as well as the horizon that cuts the photo in half... As suggested you need to get close up to show the gates texture and details.. You need to have a shallow depth of field as well, so that the background doesn't compete with the subject, which is the fence.... Try Black & White as the contrast without color adds drama to the shot. If you shoot late in the day you can take advantage of shadows as well as contrast... To shoot these gates for a client is much different than, capturing the fence artistically.... Art is to stimulate interest and add drama.....

tomcadman Loc: SoCal USA

Thank you all for your input... I am cutting and pasting your suggestions, and I will use them to experiment on my upcoming shoot.
-Tom

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Change your time of day. Use the fencing and the long shadows that early or late sunlight can produce. Shoot this at night if possible. A story is good, but an abstraction can have tension, repetition, form, contrast etc to provide strong visuals.

Google contemplative photography to get more ideas.

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

Remember the rule of thirds; don't put the main subject dead center of the image. Walk around and look for a different perspective than the first view you see.

G Brown Loc: Sunny Bognor Regis West Sussex UK

You are looking at straight lines....and playing with angles and perspectives so take a look at 'urban landscapes' 'convergence' and 'the use of lines in the landscape'. Perhaps you do need the flat on 'Product' shot but then you could merge in an interesting angle view or macro of detail...to show that the product is both 'functional' and 'aesthetic' or 'artistic'. A security fence is a necessary thing, but do you want to feel like you are in a prison.....capture the artistic play of light or form in order to convey a less harsh 'reality'.