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Author
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Topic: Lunar Photography ranking
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Scott
Member Posts: 3307
From: Houston, TX
Registered: May 2001
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posted 07-17-2003 10:59 AM
   
Noah's ranking of landings gave me an idea for another topic, the quality of the lunar photography. How would you rank the missions Apollo 8 and 10-17 by the quality of their photography? I have my own ideas but I'd like to see others give their's.
Scott [This message has been edited by Scott (edited July 17, 2003).] |
nasamad
Member Posts: 2121
From: Essex, UK
Registered: Jul 2001
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posted 07-17-2003 11:55 AM
Well if lunar orbital photography counted I'd have to go with Al Wordens work. Somew of that is simply beautiful.Adam |
WAWalsh
Member Posts: 809
From: Cortlandt Manor, NY
Registered: May 2000
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posted 07-17-2003 11:58 AM
I am not quite sure if this is a fair question. The quality of the equipment was substantially better for the later missions (just compare the broadcast images of Apollo XI versus Apollo XVII). Each mission has its own set of unique photos to the point that the more interesting question might be list the top ten lunar photos of the Apollo missions. In the end, I am not sure that anything tops Apollo VIII's Earthrise shot. |
Scott
Member Posts: 3307
From: Houston, TX
Registered: May 2001
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posted 07-17-2003 12:21 PM
Actually my favorite is the work of Apollo 12, one of the earlier missions.
My favorite photos:B&W: Conrad next to Surveyor III, taken by Alan Bean (I had the privilege of telling my opinion to Bean at a show and he thanked me, telling me he and Pete tried to do a good job.) Color: Charlie Duke at Plum Crater, taken by John Young. Lunar orbit: There are many. I believe AS17-152-23272, taken by Ron Evans, is exceptionally beautiful. http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/images/apollo/apollo17/lores/as17-152-23272.jpg |
chet
Member Posts: 1506
From: Beverly Hills, Calif.
Registered: Nov 2000
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posted 07-17-2003 12:41 PM
To shift gears just a little, I was wondering if we could all agree on the most famous, representative photo to come out of Project Apollo. I have little doubt it would be the photo of Buzz standing directly in front of Neil's camera, with Neil's reflection showing in Buzz's visor.Does anyone think a different photo better qualifies as more "recognizable"? -Chet |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42981
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 07-17-2003 12:44 PM
Chet, I would agree with you as to which photograph has come to represent Project Apollo. As to the most recognizable (or popular) Apollo photo however, I would say it has to be the image of the entire Earth taken on Apollo 17:
http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/imgcat/hires/a17_h_148_22725.gif (A close second would be Earthrise from Apollo 8.) |
NC Apollo Fan
Member Posts: 261
From: Belmont, NC USA
Registered: Jul 2000
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posted 07-17-2003 12:55 PM
Don't forget the forget the A11 footprint shot!Jonathan |
Scott
Member Posts: 3307
From: Houston, TX
Registered: May 2001
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posted 07-17-2003 01:05 PM
I had forgotten about the popularity of that one Robert. You see that Apollo 17 full Earth image all the time. You can recognize it easily by the shadow over the middle of Africa.
Yes Chet I would agree that the Buzz Aldrin "visor" photo is THE Apollo image, and one of the most famous photos ever taken. I work at an oil services company and a co-worker of mine actually has a poster of it in his office.
I would make a guess that if one were to count the number of times each year the two are published, that the full Earth photo is published more. I guess it's because it can be used in more ways.[This message has been edited by Scott (edited July 17, 2003).] |
MarylandSpace
Member Posts: 1336
From:
Registered: Aug 2002
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posted 07-17-2003 04:23 PM
While on my recent trip to the AHOF induction I saw some of Al Worden's photography that had been transferred to a canvas surface. Artists know what it is called. I just call it unbelievable. The beauty and the texture. Wait until you see these in person. |
STEVE SMITH
unregistered
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posted 07-17-2003 04:44 PM
Gary/Maryland Space; you read and view entirely too much.Welcome on board. As good to see you here as it was to meet you at AHOF. Yeah, the pictures were neat. Al II; is Al I doing a photo exhibit at your next signing like he did before. I's like to see some of his stuff. |
Rick Mulheirn
Member Posts: 4167
From: England
Registered: Feb 2001
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posted 07-17-2003 05:29 PM
Re the Apollo 11 fottprint shot. For what it is worth, I doubt that shot is of THE first footprint, rather it is representative of a footprint. From memory, that shot shows clear and distinct shadows formed by the heel imprint and the sole pattern. Yet Armstrong's first steps were in the shadow of the LM; the illumination for the shot would have been from reflected light resulting in less definition and contrast. Oh my goodness..... you do realize what I've just done; bring out the conspiracy theories!!!!!! |
mensax
Member Posts: 861
From: Virginia
Registered: Apr 2002
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posted 07-17-2003 05:34 PM
In my humble opinion... in ranking the lunar surface photography...Neil Armstrong could easily take up a career in photography. Apollo 11 photos are the best. Followed by the last three missions, with Apollo 15 and 17 being my personal favorites. Those panoramic shots, the mountains in the background, and the LM barely visible in the distance... Split Rock, Hadley Mountain, and the rovers... Apollo 12 and 14 bring up the rear. Each offering only a couple of unique shots... Apollo 8 gets the prize though for showing us all that we're riding on a blue marble through the blackness of space. |
NC Apollo Fan
Member Posts: 261
From: Belmont, NC USA
Registered: Jul 2000
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posted 07-17-2003 05:42 PM
Quite right on the A11 footprint shot - it is not the first footprint (I did not mean to imply that it was). Nor was it intended at the time to be anything more than a record of the properties of lunar dust at Tranquility. Still, the image has become powerful in the sense that it is representative of the feat of landing on the moon and of the Apollo program in general.Jonathan |
NC Apollo Fan
Member Posts: 261
From: Belmont, NC USA
Registered: Jul 2000
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posted 07-17-2003 06:00 PM
OK, my opinion. Here is my personal list for those single photos that best convey the program:1. A11 "Visor Shot"
2. A11 "Footprint"
3. A8 "Earthrise"
4. A11 "Buzz Facing the Flag"
5. A17 "Earth"
6. A15 "Irwin Saluting Flag" This is how I would rank the missions in terms of their total photography (and my personal favorite photo from each mission): 1. A15 ("Irwin Saluting Flag")
2. A17 ("Earth over Shoulder")
3. A16 ("Jumping Salute")
4. A11 ("Visor")
5. A12 ("Surveryor with LM")
6. A14 ("Mitchell with Map Searching for Cone Crater") I've always been very fond of the two "salute" photos from Apollo 15 - the colors, the LM, and Hadley in the distance make them very powerful to me. I also like the stained suits, as it shows the nature of their work. Jonathan |
BLACKARROW
unregistered
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posted 07-17-2003 06:20 PM
I would have difficulty ranking the lunar surface photography: there are several dozen sublime and remarkable images, from all six missions. But in lunar orbit, for my money, no photograph better expresses the pioneering spirit of Apollo, or the insignificance of the astronauts in their little spacecraft in an enormous universe, than the view of CSM "America" in lunar orbit taken by Jack Schmitt (AS17-145-22261). It's Plate No. 42 in Michael Light's "Full Moon." |
Aztecdoug
Member Posts: 1405
From: Huntington Beach
Registered: Feb 2000
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posted 07-17-2003 06:51 PM
I love the classic shots like Apollo 8 "Earthrise," Apollo 17 "Split Rock," and Apollo 11 "Visor" shot. But on balance, I like the Apollo 15 photography the best. In my humble opinion it is due to the natural setting of the rille, the mountains and the lighting. Plus Al's work is inspiring as well. ------------------
Warm Regards Douglas Henry Enjoy yourself and have fun.... it is only a hobby! |
Matt T
Member Posts: 1368
From: Chester, Cheshire, UK
Registered: May 2001
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posted 07-17-2003 07:18 PM
Re: the footprint - I think I'm right saying that not only is it not the first footprint, but it isn't even Armstrong's. I believe the photo was take by Aldrin, and was preceded by a photo of the same patch of ground un-marked. His intention was to provide scientists with a reference shot that would help them determine the density and compaction of the lunar dust.
The grander significance of the photo was apparently not anticipated at the time it was taken.Regarding the lunar surface photography - don't know who I'd put first but I'm afraid I'd rank Apollo 14 last. I've looked through the whole library of lunar surface photography for each mission and 14 seems short of the sort of landmark images that the other missions boast. Antares in the sunlight is gorgeous, Mitchell searching for Cone Crater is a great moment captured, but the majesty of the moon as seen in 15 - 17 or the human achievement seen in 11 & 12 is mainly missing.
That said, I'd love to see the images they lost when they threw out one of their film cartridges by accident. Cheers,
Matt |
astronut
Member Posts: 969
From: South Fork, CO
Registered: Mar 2000
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posted 07-17-2003 07:32 PM
My favorite shot is the first Earthrise shot by Bill Anders. That's the B&W one with the Earth just starting to crest the horizon. ------------------
Happy trails,
Wayno
"...you are go for TLI."
www.TransLunarInjection.com |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42981
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 07-17-2003 07:34 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Matt T:
Re: the footprint - I think I'm right saying that not only is it not the first footprint, but it isn't even Armstrong's. I believe the photo was take by Aldrin, and was preceded by a photo of the same patch of ground un-marked.
Yes, it was Aldrin's footprint. The series of photographs was planned and called for in the checklist as "Pene-Photo Footprint". |
overniagara
New Member Posts:
From:
Registered:
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posted 07-17-2003 11:33 PM
Great topic, everybody. I have to say that over the years there has been a picture that really speaks volumes for the Apollo accomplishment, and has always been a favorite of mine. The image used to be seen everywhere; in history books, magazines, etc., but over the last 10-15 years it has slipped out of the public eye. It is the image of Aldrin's boot and the footprint it has left. I think it is a far better and more powerful image than the footprint shot by Aldrin. It is an extraordinary image. The images of Aldrin coming down the LM steps, the Visor shot, and the flag salute are all incredible. They may have become icons because of what they represent, but I think they deserve the icon status, as they are all incredible works of photograpic art. For moon vistas, I think the later missions took the better landscapes: check out Irwin's photos in Full Moon, and he wasn't even supposed to be one of the better photographers. These later missions produced better landscapes probably because they explored the more interesting areas of the moon, including hills, mountains, craters, etc. I love the shot by Cernan of the LM in the distance, with mountains in the background. I also love the LM shots by Shepard, and the MET tracks from Apollo 14. If I had to pick one flag shot, it is the one of Harrison Schmitt, at the extreme angle---gorgeous shot by Cernan. Two of my favorite Astronaut images are those of Shepard at the base of the ladder, shielding the sun, and Bean's image of Conrad---the one closely resembling Aldrin's Visor image, but in black and white. How about Irwin's image of Scott at Swann Hills---if there is a sublime image of an astronaut on the moon, this could be it. I could go on and on, but I'll stop here, to let some one else have a go!
Andrew Messer |
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