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.

The value of maritime surveillance photography can be enhanced if you use correct photographic composition, appropriate field of view, and proper rigging patterns fig. 4-28 . The best photographic composition of a ship cannot always be obtained by shooting horizontal views. In maritime surveillance photography, it is important for you to ensure the target is recorded as large as possible on film.

Four basic rigging patterns for maritime surveillance photography arc in use today. They are the Special Interest Rig, the Quick Rig, the Normal Standard Rig, and the Full Rig. Proper rigging of the target provides maximum intelligence data from the photographs. To better understand the purpose of each rig, you must know what each view (or point) of the rig is designed to achieve. The BOW QUARTER view is useful in determining forward deck cargo-handling equipment, electronic arrays, and vessel identification. The BEAM view provides the length of the target plus the stack and antenna height. The STERN QUARTER and the STERN views are used to determine cargo and electronic arrays on the aft section of the vessel. The VERTICAL view is valuable in locating electronic arrays, in determining full-deck cargo, and for measurement purposes.

Figure 4-2R: -Maritime surveillance photography rigging patterns.

The SPECIAL INTEREST RIG is required when a particular vessel is photographed for the first time, or there are specific areas of interest on a particular vessel. Before this type of mission, a special briefing must be conducted to determine what specific rigs should be flown to satisfy mission requirements. The QUICK RIG is used for routine photographic documentation of a contact (vessel) observed while on patrol. The quick rig consists of the bow quarter, beam, and stem quarter views of a vessel. The NORMAL STANDARD RIG, commonly referred to as the FIVE POINT RIG, consists of the bow quarter, beam, stem quarter, stem, and vertical views of a vessel. This rig is used to provide a more detailed representation of a vessel. The FULL RIG, or NINE POINT RIG, is required when enemy or potential enemy vessels are being photographed. This rig provides complete coverage for all the areas of interest. The best approach for rigging most of the aircraft used in maritime surveillance photography is from the bow of the target.

Although the previous discussion concerns obtaining intelligence photography, the very same procedures are useful in shooting pictures of ships and submarines for PAO release and for display prints. By using these procedures, you can "kill two birds with one stone." You get the display pictures, and it serves as a training mission in maritime surveillance photography for both you and the pilot.

MOTION-MEDIA PHOTOGRAPHY FROM THE AIR

In most cases, the techniques and exposure recommendations for still aerial photography apply to shooting motion-media photography from the air. However, there are a few differences. As a general rule, frames-per-second (fps) rates that are above normal should be used for motion pictures; that is, unless you have a specific requirement to film at the "real time" rate. Just as in still photography, the image quality of aerial motion media suffers from image motion on the recording. Motion-media scenes taken from aircraft always appear much faster when viewed than when they were being recorded originally. Aerial movies when shown at normal frame rates are disturbing to the viewer. There is no hard-and-fast rule about what frame rate is appropriate for viewing; there are several factors that play a significant role, such as speed and altitude of the aircraft. A general rule of thumb is to use about one and one half or twice the normal frame rate: 32 to 48 frames per second for 16mm and 24 to 36 frames per second for super 8. For video work, the shutter speed should be set to 11500 second or higher.

When shooting, you must keep the camera steady, keep your upper body and the camera from making contact with the aircraft, and make any necessary pans slowly and smoothly. Fixed-wing aircraft should make a gentle arc around the subject (into the wind) at moderate speed and with a few degrees of flap. On occasion, you may be filming a fast-moving activity on the ground. Again, the technique of flying an arc around the subject is often best because you are moving faster than the action below. You need a zoom lens or a camera with a turret and different focal-length lenses to change your view of the subject. However, avoid the temptation to overuse the zooming technique while shooting. Instead, change the focal length between scenes to obtain variety and interest in your images.

The problem of maintaining a steady image is greatly magnified when you must shoot with a long focal-length lens. In these circumstances, you should use a gyrostabilizer, if it is available. A gyrostabilizer is an aerial camera mount that uses a gyroscope to maintain camera stability.