Shooting Techniques

SHOOTING TECHNIQUES Your camera equipment should be prepared for the aerial assignment well before you approach the target area. As you approach the target area, you should recheck your equipment and have it ready for the first exposure. Check the altitude, speed, and direction of the aircraft. Check to see that you have the right camera angle for the best picture. Using voice communications or prearranged hand signals, direct the pilot to fly the aircraft into the best picture-taking position. Directing the necessary turns enables you to get the aircraft into proper position without a lot of explanation to the pilot. Whenever possible, decide on the altitude you want to fly before takeoff. When the subject requires photography from different altitudes, start at the highest level and work your way down. Thus time en route to the target can be used for climbing. Altitude can be reduced much faster than it can be gained. When an aircraft is turning to take up another heading, the wing or rotor blades may obscure the subject. Ask the pilot for precise, steep turns; this technique will blind you to the target for only a few seconds. Do not shoot photographs when the aircraft is turning. This causes your negatives to be reasonably sharp in the center, but decreasingly sharp toward the edges. High-shutter speeds may not correct this fault. One of the principal problems in hand-held aerial photography is camera movement during exposure. This basic problem is magnified significantly where aircraft vibration and relative target movement are also present. Best picture results can be achieved when the pilot reduces the throttle. This reduces aircraft vibration and minimizes image movement. Image blurring, caused by camera movement, can be reduced by using a faster shutter speed. You must handle the camera carefully to reduce the effects of aircraft vibration transmitted on the camera. You should firmly grip the camera with your elbows held firmly to your sides. No part of the camera or your upper body should touch the aircraft while exposing film. At the instant of exposure, you should hold your breath. The shutter should be depressed in a steady, smooth manner. You 4-30 Figure 4-25.—Missiles used to frame the F-14 Tomcat.