They went to take photographs of the moon. Then they looked up.
More info and sources at bottom.
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This video started initially when I was interested in photography history and NASA. As I did research though, I kinda narrowed on Earthrise - I was fascinated by how such a famous photo could be such an unplanned, nearly accidental thing. Even if you don’t buy my argument, I hope you enjoy seeing some of these amazing photos and learning about some of the cool experiments.
Sources: Here’s a NASA 101 that’s very digestible. It focuses on still photography during Apollo and helped me get my footing.
This is where all the photos are sourced from.
It’s surprisingly complicated to find the right or best copies of the photo, and it ends up being a bit of a judgment call. This site provides what they say are unedited scans in really high resolution (as well as copies in more manageable sizes and with some editing). I felt like I didn’t really color correct the images I used “right,” but I preferred having duller images to ones that had been super edited in ways I couldn’t judge. Anyway, your mileage may vary - check it out for yourself!
The Apollo Flight Journal:
This is your best place to check quotes, chronology, and get all the little details on events, as well as clarifications on confusing stuff. So I think this is a fun place to nerd out.
Here’s a version of the Earthrise recreation NASA did (a few copies all over).
Here’s Jennifer Levasseur’s dissertation. This really is what gave me my footing. For a while, I thought I’d need to figure out how to include her in it because it felt like a straight up adaptation. But as I read on, there were a lot of places I diverged and the scope of her thing was a lot bigger.
However, you’ll see where I got the vibe of this video and why I focused primarily on Hasselblad and Ansco Autoset.
Very influential and worth a read!
Here’s that color patch photography paper:
Here’s a very thorough overview of NASA photography, by NASA c.1972.
In general, this is where I got all the other documents you see in the video. A quick search should help you find them but if you can’t, please feel free to email me. This is just such a gold mine though, nobody talks about a lot of the stuff in here.
OK, I can’t resist one more specific link here — nice synopsis of Apollo 8 photography specifically. This is what I’m talking about - they get really niche! I just had to figure out how to keep it detailed and still tell a story.
Oh, here’s John Glenn’s memoir!
I won’t pretend I read it though - I was just mining for camera facts! He actually calls the Ansco Autoset a Minolta, which I think is wrong because Minolta bought them later (Smithsonian calls it an Autoset). Anyway, the dude is like the last American hero, so I wasn’t gonna call him out on that in the video, hence the elision in the quote.
By: Phil Edwards Title: The photography behind Earthrise Sourced From: www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7KR1nCA4Js
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much money do drone photographers make?
Photographers can earn more than $10k depending on how long they fly and where they shoot. You could make as much as $20-30 per hour if you are able to shoot in remote areas like national parks and forests.
An average person makes $15-$25 per hour in retail. This means that you could make $50-$75 flying drones, if you so desired. There are still many ways to make even more. Drone pilots typically fly for companies that require them to travel across the country or even internationally.
You can charge anywhere from $100 to $300 per flight, depending on the time you spend flying and the distance you cover. Although this can quickly add up, if you are passionate about photography and enjoy flying, it could be worthwhile.
How can I get started in drone photography?
There are many options for starting to photograph with a drone. The first is to purchase a ready-made drone set. It will come with everything you need in order to get started. They cost $200 to $500, depending upon which model you choose.
Other options include building your drone. It's possible to make a drone that takes decent photos and videos, even though it can be complicated.
For those who want to try building their drone, we recommend starting with a quadcopter. Like conventional helicopters, quadcopters have four rotors or propellers.
It is much easier to assemble and maintain a quadcopter than a helicopter. It is also more affordable to buy and easier for you to transport.
First, select the right components. Motors, batteries and controllers are all required. Pick the correct size, weight and type.
Next, you need to choose what type of controller to use. You have many choices, including joysticks and touch screens as well as remote controls. It is recommended to buy one with a builtin camera so that you don't need to attach another device to your drone.
Once you've made your selections, you are ready to assemble it. Pre-assembled kits are recommended to make it easier. You can build your drone on your own by following these steps.
Step 1 Attach the battery pack
You'll need to connect the battery pack to the motor to start building your quadcopter. Remove the cover plate on the bottom side of the battery. Next, slide the battery in place.
Step 2: Connect the motors
Next, you'll need to install the motors in the appropriate slots. Each motor needs to be installed in its respective slot. Make sure the motors are facing forward when installing them.
Step 3: Install your propeller
The propellers will need to be attached to the frame. You should position them at equal distances.
After completing all these steps, you're finally ready to test your new drone! If there is no movement when the engine turns on, check that the propellers point forward. Also, make sure that there are no obstructions between the propellers.
Which drone is best for beginners?
A drone that doesn't require special skills to fly is the best for beginners. These include drones equipped with an FPV (first-person view) camera, allowing users to control the drone via a smartphone app remotely.
Some quadcopters were specifically designed for aerial photography. A multirotor model might be a better choice if you want to explore advanced features, such as obstacle avoidance or autonomous flight mode.
There are two types: the cheap drones that cost less than $100 and the more expensive drones that cost over $300.
The cheapest models have a shorter range and a shorter battery life. However, the best models offer better performance and longer flight times.
Most beginners prefer to go for cheaper options as these are easier to handle and learn how to operate. If you plan on spending hours flying your drone, you might be interested in a higher-end model.
What information should I have about drone photography laws?
Drone flight regulations are controlled by the Federal Aviation Administration. Local laws may also apply in addition to the FAA regulations. To find out which drone flight rules apply to your state, check with the transportation department.
In most cases, drone owners need to get a FAA license. The FAA has published guidelines regarding licensing. These guidelines are available for more information.
In certain states, drone operators are required to register their drones at the government. To learn more, visit our Guide to Drone Registration.
Which hour is best to photograph drones?
If there isn’t any activity on the ground, a drone could capture aerial shots during sunrise or sunset.
Drones are great tools for capturing beautiful photos of landscapes and the sky above them. But sometimes drones aren't allowed to fly at night, so you miss out on spectacular views.
You can capture amazing photos by flying between sunrise and sunset. These times are more conducive to stunning photos of nature, as there are less cars on the road and less people walking about.
It will also be easier to photograph in low light levels.
Additionally, the drone can withstand strong winds, rain and snow. All these factors make daylight ideal for taking photos with a drone.
Consider flying at night if you want to capture nighttime scenes. This will give a unique view of the cityscape.
What type of drone are professionals using?
Drones can be used to take amazing aerial photos. They can capture video footage from above and also take photos. They are useful when taking measurements and surveying land.
These devices are often used for commercial purposes such as mapping large areas or checking construction sites. They can also be used for other purposes than business.
For example, drones can provide great entertainment value for families and friends. You can fly these drones in many ways and discover new places. Drones can be used to photograph and record special events and celebrations.
Drones are truly limitless. To learn how to make the most of your drone, read on.
What are the essentials for drone photography?
Drone photography is much more than just taking pictures with a drone. Planning and executing a successful drone shoot requires a lot of considerations. The right location is key to making sure you have enough insurance to cover your aerial shoot.
It is important to check that you have permission for drones to be flown in the area where you intend to shoot. This involves finding out if there are restrictions regarding where you can fly or where your drone can be operated. If there are, you might have to apply for a permit to fly them in the area.
You should also check which regulations are in place in your particular country. Some countries require permits to fly drones. Others limit how many flights you can make in a specific time.
To fly drones safely and securely, you must have permission. A lot of local businesses will rent you a landing pad for an hour. This will allow you to store your drone. Or, you can buy a dedicated landing area.
Before you even begin shooting, you'll need to decide what drone you'd like to use. Different drones offer different capabilities and features. For example, fixed-wing drones tend to cost less and are easier to control, whereas multirotor drones are more powerful and stable.
Once you have decided what type of drone you want, you will need the equipment. A drone camera typically includes a gimbal and remote controller, batteries, memory card, and batteries.
The gimbal helps stabilize the camera in flight. It makes it simple to take sharp images and not worry about losing the device. To keep the camera stable, the gimbal attaches directly on the drone's body.
Remote controllers permit you to control your drone remotely. These remote controllers include joysticks or buttons that allow you to move your drone forwards, backwards, left, right, and adjust its altitude.
The drone's motors, cameras and memory cards power their batteries. They also store the photos that the drone has taken. You will need to ensure enough battery life so that your drone can take clear photos.
Once you've selected the equipment you'll need, you'll need to figure out where you'll shoot. Will you be taking photos indoors or outdoors? Do you plan to shoot architecture or landscapes? Where exactly are you going to shoot? These factors will influence how you prepare for your shoot.
Lighting is an essential part of indoor photography. Multiple lights are the best way to illuminate a room. One large light should be placed above the subject, one near the middle and another closer to the floor.
Wind conditions are an important consideration when you are outdoors. Windy days can cause problems for drone pilots because they can get blown off course. Therefore, you should only take off when the weather is calm.
Consider whether additional equipment such as stands or tripods is necessary when you select your location. These items will keep your drone stable and allow you to capture high quality images.
Outdoor shoots can be done between 10 AM and 4 PM. During this time, there won't be too many people around, but there will still be enough light to create great photos.
Drone photography is not only fun, but also extremely useful in capturing breathtaking aerial photos. These are just a few steps that you can follow to create incredible images.
Statistics
Though the Mavic 3 is about 50% heavier than the Mavic Air 2, it's still conveniently sized. (nytimes.com)
A grey card is just a piece of thick paper that is a specific shade of grey (18%), which will be the foundation on which we choose our color temperature. (dronegenuity.com)
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Homes with aerial images sold 68% faster than homes with standard images. (alexdronephotography.com)
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Tips for Beginners: How To Take Amazing Drone Pictures
Tips to capture great drone shots
Make sure you have enough space to fly your drone safely. Keep it clear of trees and buildings.
Before you fly, ensure you know exactly where you are! Drone piloting can lead to a lot of confusion. If you don't know where you've flown, you could end up somewhere dangerous, like a cliff edge or in someone's backyard.
Don't forget to stay safe while flying! To see what's around you, always keep your drone close by. Never fly at night or under poor weather conditions (like heavy rain).
Bring extra batteries if you plan to do long flights. It is a good idea to always have spare batteries. You won't run low on juice during flight.
High quality lenses are recommended. The clearer the image, the higher the resolution. The image will be blurred by a camera lens that has a low number of pixels, such as the ones found on most smartphones.
Start small. Start small with your first video. Once you feel confident with this, move on to longer videos.
Avoid using your drone indoors. Drones are not intended to be used indoors. They can cause damage to walls, furniture, or other objects.
Practice makes perfect! Try out different things using your drone. Use it to capture different angles in the same scene. Fly outside to practice your flying skills.
Be creative! It is easy to believe that photography has to be a set of rules.
Learn more about your camera settings. Cameras today have many advanced features. These settings can enhance the quality and appeal of your photos.
Be patient! You might be tempted to rush, but sometimes you need to wait to get the shot.
Have fun. Keep in mind why you bought your drone. The experience can be enhanced by enjoying the flight of your drone.
Your work is welcome to be shared! Post your best shots to social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. Share your photos with others to let them know how much you enjoyed shooting them.
Keep learning! Read books and magazines about photography. You can watch tutorials online. 15. Keep safe! Make sure you are following all safety precautions before you go. Make sure your drone is fully charged and that the landing gear works properly. Make sure you are following all FAA regulations.
Find your style Once you have mastered the basics you will be able to create your own style. Experiment with different techniques and styles until you find one that works.
Use apps! Download free photo editing software to your smartphone. You can easily improve your photos with these tools.
Keep taking notes! It can be helpful to keep track of what you've learned in this article so that you can remember it. Notate important points and write them down in your journal.
