Aerial Photography During Wartime

If you have ever explored wartime photography, you’ve likely come across breathtaking images captured from above. In today’s world, snapping aerial photos is effortless—lightweight drones and high-resolution cameras make it a breeze. However, before the digital era, capturing these images required ingenuity, bravery, and cutting-edge technology for the time.

The concept of aerial photography dates back to the mid-19th century when French photographer Gaspard-Felix Tournachon, professionally known as Nadar, pioneered the technique. He used hot air balloons to take the first-ever aerial images. However, it wasn’t until World War I that aerial photography became a crucial tool for military intelligence, reconnaissance, and battlefield strategy.

By World War II, aerial photography had become an essential aspect of military operations. It was widely used across all battlefronts to capture reconnaissance images, assess enemy positions, and document critical events. One of the most striking instances of aerial photography from this period is the attack on Pearl Harbor. Thanks to Army Air Forces Staff Sergeant Lee Embree, we have some of the most iconic images of that fateful day.

On December 7, 1941, Lee Embree found himself in a unique position. Flying in from the West Coast aboard a B-17 Flying Fortress, he was thrust into the chaos of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Though shocked by the unfolding devastation, Embree instinctively knew he had a job to do.

The B-17 he was flying in had an open gunner’s window—typically used for mounting a machine gun. However, since the aircraft was unarmed to extend its range, Embree saw an opportunity. He leaned out of the opening with his Speed Graphic camera and captured the first aerial photographs of the attack. His images would go on to become historic documentation of the tragic assault on Pearl Harbor.

Before the advent of modern technology, aerial photography was an arduous task. Photographers used bulky cameras such as the Fairchild K-17, manually operating them under extreme conditions. Many times, photographers would have to lean out of the aircraft, exposing themselves to the elements and potential enemy fire.

For aircraft like the Douglas SBD Dauntless dive bomber, the rear gunner’s position was often used for photography instead of combat. The challenge was even greater when capturing images over enemy territory, where leaning out of the aircraft would be far too dangerous.

Recognizing the importance of aerial photography, military forces began modifying aircraft specifically for reconnaissance missions. Some planes, like the Lockheed P-38 Lightning, had their machine guns removed and were equipped with high-resolution cameras instead. The reconnaissance version of the P-38, known as the Lockheed F-5, was capable of carrying multiple cameras, allowing for detailed surveillance images.

Because cameras were significantly lighter than weapons and ammunition, reconnaissance planes could fly faster than traditional fighter planes, making them ideal for gathering intelligence. These aircraft played a vital role in strategic planning throughout World War II.

Aerial photography revolutionized military strategy and intelligence gathering. It provided commanders with critical visual data, influenced battle plans, and documented history as it unfolded. Lee Embree’s photographs of Pearl Harbor stand as a testament to the bravery and resourcefulness of wartime photographers.

Today, aerial photography continues to play a vital role in military operations, journalism, and historical documentation. While modern drones and satellite imaging have taken the practice to new heights, the legacy of pioneers like Lee Embree will never be forgotten.

Aerial photography during wartime wasn’t just about capturing images—it was about documenting history in the making, shaping military strategy, and preserving the truth of what happened on the battlefield.