Advanced Photography Course

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.

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Advanced Photography Course

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DOFMaster for Windows On-line Depth of Field Calculator DOFMaster for Mobile Devices On-line Depth of Field Table Hyperfocal Distance Chart Articles FAQ Recommended Books Support Contact Links Home As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.	contents <- previous page next page -> 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 4-30 Figure 4-25.--Missiles used to frame the F-14 Tomcat. contents Advanced Photography Course <- previous page next page ->	As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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