having a background in photography. let me throw a 2cnt advice...
since this is an agilent contest. the "subject matter" is agilent device. so try to get those (agilent) arranged properly (keyword: composed and composition) and in focus. as for the background/foreground (framing) is the story telling and add up to the image. dont try to mess it with the main "subject matter" and get it a little blurry (if you have such lenses), too much blur you will lose the story, too much sharpness, it will interfere with "subject matter". if you dont have fast lens, try to get the cheapo camera as far as you can, zoom to appropriate window, use the lowest aperture (ie low f value = big aperture opening) as possible (but dont let background too blur, you still need to include your lab remember?). a proper lighting will also help, lighting from the side, 45 degree from the top etc etc, experience will tell. a proper lighting doesnt mean an expensive ttl canon, nikon or those big strobes with big umbrella brand name. it could be a diy flou light covered with some linen or cotton flat fabrix or such for diffused lighting, but be carefull and adjust your white balance. the main thing you have to give attention in photography is
composition and lighting, the timing you dont have to care much since this is more of "still image" unless you want to include some glitch in your oscilloscope. be creative and innovative, otherwise you end up with boring or messy image. the other aspects are technical. photography is like an ee design, you have to plan before you do it. cheers