Mechanical Engineering Photographer?

sleepOhh · Jan 28, 2015

Hello everyone as I found this forum completely by accident while researching film related topics. It looks like you guys have a pretty nice community going on and I would love to be a part of it.
As the title suggests I am a Mechanical Engineering student (sophomore) and I just so happen to be a photographer aswell. People always are so confused when I tell them I am an engineering student while holding a film camera.

Well with that said, Is there anyone out there whose in a similar situation? Would love to hear some interesting stories.

Christopher Walrath · Jan 28, 2015

Welcome to APUG, sleepy. Though not an engineering student, my grandfather was and my father was a machinist. I sell auto parts. I love lines and shapes and one day took a bunch of timing chain and gear kit and arranged the parts on a white table and made some exposures. I have also played around with the brake lathe in the back of the store, getting the hot cut bits flying from the friction surface as it was being turned.

I twill be good to have you. Make yourself at home.

gone · Jan 28, 2015

Why would anyone be confused about someone being an engineering student with a film camera??? I do not get that at all. The two things have nothing to do w/ each other. I'm an artist/photographer, but I've also been a dishwasher, tomato picker, race car engine builder, and the marketing director for one of the oldest ballet organizations in America. Tomorrow, I'll be shooting some portraits, then cleaning out cat litter boxes in a no-kill animal sanctuary before going to do some work for the Volusia county Democratic Club. People DO have a little depth to them.

The dish washing job was the best gig. You got to eat pretty well during the shift, and if you got along w/ the chef (and since he had all the big sharp knives, I did), it was a fun workout w/ no stress for 4 hours. If I never see another tomato as long as I live though, it will be way too soon. Now I know why they made this movie.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txfdGlxEsG8

Sirius Glass · Jan 28, 2015

Welcome to APUG

There are several systems engineers [real hardware and software systems engineers, not only knowledgeable about computers] also hidden here.

Truzi · Jan 28, 2015

Welcome to the site.

I work in IT, and a lot of people find it odd I use film; they seem to expect me to adopt all new technology immediately. This is especially true of many people in my department, often viewing film as old or artistic in contrast to new and/or technical. I cannot seem to convey to them it's not old or artistic for me, and it's not an hobby - it's just something I prefer.

Nodda Duma · Jan 28, 2015

Optical engineer here. Never really got away from shooting film. I get more than enough digital imaging at work.

If you want to stick close to photography in your day-job, get into opto-mechanics (lens mounting design..very important). Look up Yoder's books.

Fixcinater · Jan 28, 2015

I'm in a similar situation as OP but am a returning ME student, I do photography to pay for school and what little film I have time to shoot these days.

Lots of people I run into find it odd that I even give analog photography the time of day, not just the ones that know I'm working on a BSME.

Dr Croubie · Jan 28, 2015

I got a Bachelor of Electrical and Electronic Engineering in 2007. I just started (literally 2 days ago) on my Masters of Electronic Engineering. Even going to build my own enlarger-head some day (see my other latest post).
There are a whole lot of other engineers I know on this forum too, I'll let them introduce themselves rather than dob them in.
IEAust hold an annual photography competition about engineering (too bad there's no limit to analogue-only though).

Truzi said:
I work in IT, and a lot of people find it odd I use film; they seem to expect me to adopt all new technology immediately.

I get this a lot too, unfortunately. Don't have a fancy phone, just a 6-year-old Nokia (3rd phone in 15 years). No tablet, no phablet. Just an ipod my old work gave me (because it had a dongle remote-control for our products attached).
The more technology progresses, the more I regress. Thinking about ditching my Vinyl collection for 78s and Pianola-rolls...

sleepOhh · Jan 29, 2015

Thanks Everyone!

Christopher Walrath said:
Welcome to APUG, sleepy. Though not an engineering student, my grandfather was and my father was a machinist. I sell auto parts. I love lines and shapes and one day took a bunch of timing chain and gear kit and arranged the parts on a white table and made some exposures. I have also played around with the brake lathe in the back of the store, getting the hot cut bits flying from the friction surface as it was being turned.

I twill be good to have you. Make yourself at home.

Its very interesting because I love symmetry and the way lines flow on cars. I do enjoy a bit of automotive photography from time to time when I get the chance.

momus said:
Why would anyone be confused about someone being an engineering student with a film camera??? I do not get that at all. The two things have nothing to do w/ each other. I'm an artist/photographer, but I've also been a dishwasher, tomato picker, race car engine builder, and the marketing director for one of the oldest ballet organizations in America. Tomorrow, I'll be shooting some portraits, then cleaning out cat litter boxes in a no-kill animal sanctuary before going to do some work for the Volusia county Democratic Club. People DO have a little depth to them.

The dish washing job was the best gig. You got to eat pretty well during the shift, and if you got along w/ the chef (and since he had all the big sharp knives, I did), it was a fun workout w/ no stress for 4 hours. If I never see another tomato as long as I live though, it will be way too soon. Now I know why they made this movie.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txfdGlxEsG8

You know that is the same thing I ask myself.. People are very strange...

Sirius Glass said:
Welcome to APUG

There are several systems engineers [real hardware and software systems engineers, not only knowledgeable about computers] also hidden here.

Very interesting! I never would have thought there were engineers around here! I guess I don't feel out of place after all.

Truzi said:
Welcome to the site.

I work in IT, and a lot of people find it odd I use film; they seem to expect me to adopt all new technology immediately. This is especially true of many people in my department, often viewing film as old or artistic in contrast to new and/or technical. I cannot seem to convey to them it's not old or artistic for me, and it's not an hobby - it's just something I prefer.

The thing about film that I really enjoy is the fact that it slows me down tremendously. I want to get THE shot within the 24/36 exposures in the camera. There is no comparison when it comes to shooting tons of digital images and later choosing the best one. It enables one to really think about their craft. I like that.

Nodda Duma said:
Mechanical Engineering Photographer?
Optical engineer here. Never really got away from shooting film. I get more than enough digital imaging at work.

If you want to stick close to photography in your day-job, get into opto-mechanics (lens mounting design..very important). Look up Yoder's books.

People already spend to much time in front of their smartphones/computers/tv's etc.. I feel you. One of the reasons why I shoot film. As for the opto-mechanics position, I'll look into that thanks!

Fixcinater said:
I'm in a similar situation as OP but am a returning ME student, I do photography to pay for school and what little film I have time to shoot these days.

Lots of people I run into find it odd that I even give analog photography the time of day, not just the ones that know I'm working on a BSME.

Hey, another Mech-E! In some cases photography does help, and it doesn't take to much time away from the usual studying.
Many people do find it odd, but there are those few people who are just in awe when they see an old film camera or Land camera. Ya don't really get that with digital

Dr Croubie said:
I got a Bachelor of Electrical and Electronic Engineering in 2007. I just started (literally 2 days ago) on my Masters of Electronic Engineering. Even going to build my own enlarger-head some day (see my other latest post).
There are a whole lot of other engineers I know on this forum too, I'll let them introduce themselves rather than dob them in.
IEAust hold an annual photography competition about engineering (too bad there's no limit to analogue-only though).

Originally Posted by Truzi (there was a url link here which no longer exists)
I work in IT, and a lot of people find it odd I use film; they seem to expect me to adopt all new technology immediately.

I get this a lot too, unfortunately. Don't have a fancy phone, just a 6-year-old Nokia (3rd phone in 15 years). No tablet, no phablet. Just an ipod my old work gave me (because it had a dongle remote-control for our products attached).
The more technology progresses, the more I regress. Thinking about ditching my Vinyl collection for 78s and Pianola-rolls...

Congratulations! Wish the best of luck on your Masters!
Its great to know that there are other engineers on here. I would like to get to know them and ask them how they juggle being an Engineer and a photographer.

lxdude · Jan 29, 2015

If there are so many engineers around here, how come they never post pictures of their trains?

Steve Smith · Jan 29, 2015

sleepOhh said:
Well with that said, Is there anyone out there whose in a similar situation? Would love to hear some interesting stories.

Possibly. I started off as an electronic engineer but do more mechanical engineering now. I make test fixtures and assembly jigs and have the use of a CNC router, a laser cutter and a 3D printer - all the perfect toys, I mean tool, to make cameras with!

I have never been an engineering student though. I am self trained.

Steve.

Nodda Duma · Jan 29, 2015

lxdude said:
If there are so many engineers around here, how come they never post pictures of their trains?

Engineer training isn't *that* exciting.

Jeff Bradford · Jan 29, 2015

My degree is in Electronics Engineering. I work mainly in RF communications these days.
People think everything I do is weird, so hanging a film camera around my neck goes mostly unnoticed.

snapguy · Jan 29, 2015

To me, engineering and film photography go hand-in-hand. It's the "people" who are weird with their ephemeral digital toys.

wombat2go · Jan 29, 2015

Welcome Sleepy, I am on the other end of an engineering career.

I used my 35mm K-mount with C41 film often in the day job when traveling to steel processing facilities around the world.
A few good photos are usually better than a thousand words.

I liked to use the camera after hours and on weekends too.

The most used camera was a small Ricoh KR-5, with a small Pentax flash and the ideal lens was the Vivitar 28mm 1:2 MC Close Focus Wide Angle.
It can record notebook and whiteboard sketches and is good for detail like electronics and small parts, as well as large machinery in low light.

In film days it was always possible to get film processed near by hotel for pick up next day.
With that facility no longer reliable, these days I continue use the same lens on the Pentax aps-c dslr.

Lately (semi retired) I usually have more leisure time on the trips so I take 2 of K-mount lenses and the Pentax dslr (for work) along with a film body like the Ricoh or the Pentax MX.
I can take that kit plus 4 days clothes in carry-on.

There are many digital cameras with better performance and smaller size than my vintage kit, but I still enjoy taking some film photos on the travels, and being able to use the same lenses on both formats.

flavio81 · Jan 29, 2015

Hi, i'm a Software Engineer... I am also a fan of analog electronics and car mechanics.

SuzanneR · Jan 29, 2015

Welcome to APUG. I don't see that engineering and analog photography are incompatible at all! Enjoy it here, it's a great community.

Ko.Fe. · Jan 29, 2015

Hello, this is analog photography forum, not a Facebook.
Yes, I was holding film camera in my hands while taking rocket engine education and mechanical engineer diploma.
What else you as mechanical engineering student supposed to hold rather than mechanical camera? Mobile phone to instagram it instantly and electronically?
Cheers, Ko.

fotch · Jan 29, 2015

Hello and Welcome to APUG

winger · Jan 29, 2015

Well, I have a MS in Forensic Science and was a forensic chemist in a crime lab for 14 years. I have all sorts of cool gadgets, but I like shooting film. Darkroom time is special.
Dad is a licensed PE and was the first owner of the old Pentax I still shoot. My husband has a degree or two in mechanical engineering and he went that route to be better able to know what went on in engines - he likes classic cars (mostly muscle cars). He's competent with a film camera, but doesn't really shoot now.

Welcome to APUG!

benjiboy · Jan 29, 2015

Welcome Sleep from a very cold and snow Britain, I'm retired now but when I was young was apprentice trained for five years as a mechanical engineer at a company who made made turbine blades for Rolls Royce jet engines and am still an Associate Member of Institute of Mechanical Engineers, there's definitely something about photography that attracts people with an engineering bent.

bsdunek · Jan 29, 2015

Welcome Sleep! I just retired last March after 54 years in engineering (the last 12 was consulting). When you spend your working day in front of a computer, film & darkroom are a welcome relief. Of course I grew up with film - started at age 8 as my Father always had a darkroom.
Besides, it's fun to have a mechanical/film camera on your shoulder. Others are interested, amazed, or ignorant. A few years ago, some people snapped a photo of my wife and I with my Nikon F. They couldn't understand why it didn't have the screen on the back, and my explanation went right over their head. My wife had to restrain her laughter so as not to insult them.

pbromaghin · Jan 29, 2015

Software developer for 35 years, here. When I go home I ain't spending my time with my fingers wrapped around a mouse, staring at a computer screen. Most of my favorite cameras don't even have batteries. And yes, my coworkers think I'm a fool.

Sirius Glass · Jan 29, 2015

sleepOhh welcome to APUG

Sirius Glass · Jan 29, 2015

lxdude said:
If there are so many engineers around here, how come they never post pictures of their trains?

Because they do not need to toot their horns.

Mechanical Engineering Photographer?

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