Advanced Photography Course

camera angle looking down on the plane to be
photographed. When shadows are not a problem and
enough light is reflected on the fuselage of the aircraft
being photographed, the plane with the photographer
can fly under the other aircraft and take photographs
while it is in straight and level flight.

When shooting pictures of aircraft formations, you

should be sure the spacing between them, as seen by the
camera, is uniform. Navy pilots are among the best in
the world. They can fly their aircraft in tight formations
with near perfect spacing between them; however this
may not be perfect as the camera "sees" it. Remember,
what the camera "sees" is the way the picture will look
(fig. 4-27).

The pilots of the aircraft you are photographing will

probably look at the camera while you are taking their
picture. Go ahead and let them--for one shot. Then tell
them, "I have your picture, and I'll be sure you get a
copy of it; but for the rest of the mission, please do not
look at the camera." When the pilot is looking into the

camera, it looks unnatural and distracts from the main
subject--the aircraft.

MARITIME SURVEILLANCE

PHOTOGRAPHY

Maritime surveillance data gathering for

intelligence purposes is assisted by photographic
methods; that is, high-quality pictures to provide
permanent records so that detailed interpretation of the
collected data can be made. A camera can record full
details of the target instantly. Photographs should be
made of all maritime targets worthy of observation
including surface ships (war and cargo) and submarines.
Air reconnaissance photographs of surface and
subsurface targets made from fixed-wing aircraft and

helicopters add greatly to the complete intelligence data
on enemy or potential enemy shipping. It is often the
duty of the Photographer's Mates to obtain this type of
photography by using a hand-held camera.

Figure 4-27.--Air-to air photographs.

4-33

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Advanced Photography Course

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