Occasionally, exploded views (fig. 6-14) of small objects are photographed in a group to show the various parts of an assembly. Normally, they are arranged in the layout in the same order in which they are assembled or disassembled. Pay particular attention to the composition of objects as they appear on the ground glass, rather than as they appear to the eye from the camera position. Attempt to arrange them so they fill the picture area in an interesting manner. Do not arrange them in a long, narrow line with black space above and below them.

Exploded view photographs provide the viewer with positive identification of the many parts and pieces that make: up a given machine, instrument, or manufactured assembly. When photographed on a light box, you can illuminate the shadows. The various parts, shown in order of assembly, appear to float in the air in correct alignment and perspective.

A substitute for the light-box background is a sheet of plate glass firmly supported approximately 20 or 24 inches from the floor. Two floodlights, directed from either side of the glass, bounce light evenly from the white seamless paper on the floor up through the glass.

Preparing the Parts

Disassemble the parts carefully so they can be laid out in order of assembly. Clean each piece thoroughly, removing any lubrication or foreign deposits. Lay the parts out as they are to be photographed, and study each piece before you proceed. Large areas of stainless steel or bright metal should be sprayed with a dulling spray to prevent objectionable hot spots. Smaller areas can be treated with an eyeliner.

Where edges or screw holes do not show readily, they can be edged with a black grease pencil. Conversely, when the part is dark, white pencil or chalk can be used to define it.

Setting Up the Parts

Place the parts on the glass in order of assembly. To stand small parts up, mount them on a small strip or square of acetate with a little beeswax supporting the piece from behind. Even the smallest screw should be mounted on a base so it can be slid into exact position later. The base should be cut as small as possible so it does not interfere with other parts lined up close to it. Heavier pieces can be mounted on small squares of glass.

To obtain an illusion of height, you can move the parts away from the camera There is a limit to this procedure, however, and when a part becomes too small in relation to others, it should be elevated. Various size blocks (painted flat white) and, in some cases, glass shelves or long, narrow strips of glass are sometimes used.

Camera Angle

For the majority of subjects, the most desirable camera angle is 45 degrees above and to the side of the assembly. From this vantage point, you can see the top, side, and end of most parts.