Name: Rick McClure (aka Rescue Rick)
Number of years as a photographer: Professionally since 1970, but using an Instamatic and 8mm movie camera on bike since 1965
How did you get into photography? While chasing the engines and rescues, I wanted to have something to look back at. When I started driving, I found out there was a demand for incident pictures and there was money that went with that.
What camera model do you shoot with? Nikon D600 and Nikon 5000. 28mm-300mm and an 18mm to 140mm are my primary lenses
Any words of wisdom to pass on to someone wanting to shoot emergency incidents themselves? Sure, anyone looking to shoot emergency incidents should be aware of their surroundings I.E: incident type, whether it be a fire, traffic accident, or law enforcement incident. Stay out of emergency worker’s way. Be aware of falling debris, electrical hazards, and know the traffic patterns. Use a telephoto lens so as not to interfere with activities. Do not shoot pictures of dead bodies and try to respect victims by not showing faces. Lastly, do not wear items that cause people to think you are badged members of the fire department so you can get closer.
What is your favorite fire photo you’ve taken? It is a photo of firefighters from LAFD and LACoFD attending to injured eight-year-old child after he was ejected from a rollover crash on the 5 Freeway.