Welding arcs and laser beams

[mel]

So one of the challenges I've set myself is try and get some good pictures of both of these. Obviously an electric welding arc can be very harmfull to the naked eye as can the scatter from high powered laser cutters (around 2Kw when cutting reasonably thick steel) and I don't think blinding myself would be a good start to my experiments in photography so I won't be using the view finder for composition for obvious reasons but equally as disastrous for future photos would be blinding my brand new camera, is there anything I need to worry about as far as the sensor or processor are concerned or do they have safety cut outs of some form? I'll be using a Canon 600D ( or trying to) and would quite like to get some macro shots of both processes.

Suggestions on base or starting settings would also be appreciated, and I'm suspecting this might be ideal for HDR.

[markmullen]

I know lasers can damage sensors, I'd be careful with welding arcs too if they're so bright they can damage your sight I'd imagine they could fry a sensor quite easily.

[MartinP]

You'd be taking a big risk of damaging the sensor shooting those without some protection on the camera, so I'd start experimenting initially with a 10 stop ND filter fitted.

[pastrana72]

I have done a fair bit of light stuff, used lasers but with care not directly at the camera as it will mess up the sensor.

Arc welder, not done that, to bright.

have fun.

http://www.flickr.com/groups/lightjunkies/

[baz7175]

Never had any issue with shooting welding sparks etc, and I did a whole whack of them a few years back for one of the local colleges...


Welding by www.bazpics.com, on Flickr