CHAPTER 6 PHOTOGRAPHIC   ASSIGNMENTS Photography in the Navy has long been an important tool for monitoring the strength and improving the methods of our nation’s fighting forces, as well as serving  to  record  for  historical  permanence  the significant events that have shaped our nation’s destiny. From the moment that Matthew Brady exposed his photographic  plates  on  the  decks  of  the  federal  ironclad ship,  Monitor,  in  1862,  the  Navy  has  used  photography as  a  significant  recording  medium.  It  has  influenced  the development of weapons and ships in the Navy and has been an invaluable aid in training the men and women who make up today's Navy. Today we can go to the archives and look back with pride at the visual evidence of the Navy's growth, generation after generation. The historical record tells us where we have been, what we were, how far we have progressed, and how we have changed-enhancing our perspective of the past and clarifying our perception of the  future. The “grandfather” of our profession, still photog- raphy, is the oldest of photographic skills in the Navy. Where events of historical significance occur, such as military exercises, ships being commissioned and de- commissioned, and newsworthy events of interest to Navy   personnel,   there   are   Navy   photographers recording  events  as  they  happen. PLANNING Planning prevents disappointment. If only I had an idea of what to expect, this picture might have been better. How many times have you said this to yourself? Planning  does  not  cover  all  the  bases  on  every assignment, but it can be valuable on many of them. Color or black and white . . . small, medium, or large format? This question may sound basic, but you should consider it thoroughly when preparing for an assignment. Take time to consider the finished product and its intended use. Punctuality is the only policy. As a minimum, be on time. However, why not get there 10 or 15 minutes ahead of the assigned time? You can use this time to look over the area for lighting, background, props, and so forth. Also, discuss the assignment and what you need with the people connected with them. Take charge courteously.  Politely  ignore  harassers.  Begin  work  at once and give clear, concise directions. But do not think this approach takes the place of your responsibility to BE  COURTEOUS  AT  ALL  TIMES. Dependability versus creativity. Strive to shoot for the results that your customer requested. Then shoot what you consider to be an improvement on the original requirement. Pictorial  details  are  important.  Before  the  shutter catches that moment, make sure you have checked or considered  the  foreground,  background,  arrangement, expressions, clothing, angle, and lighting. You have to mentally put all these items together and say to yourself, Will this tell the story? Identify. When the photograph has been recorded, begin taking identification Caption information should include name, grade, and title. If possible, you might have someone on the scene taking identification while you  are  shooting. Always check your equipment before leaving for a shooting assignment. As a minimum, you should take several extra rolls of film and a spare synchronization (sync) cord. When using a flash and a large number of photographs are to be taken, you may need an extra battery  pack.  Always  be  prepared  and  attempt  to overcome  the  unexpected. EQUIPMENT After learning the nature of your photographic assignment and making a complete analysis of the assignment, you must choose the proper equipment to get the job done. The variety of photographic equipment available  and  suited  for  location  assignments  is extremely  broad;  for  example,  the  assignment  may require the use of a 35mm, medium format, or even a 4x5 view camera The lighting equipment you choose may range from a small, compact electronic flash unit to a complex array of lighting equipment and reflectors. Exposure  meters,  color  temperature  meters,  tripods,  and interchangeable lenses are just a few of the other accessories  you  may  need  on  a  location  assignment. “Be prepared.” At one time or another we have all heard that familiar quotation. But have you ever thought what this could mean to your assignment? For want of 6-1