To create
a 360 degree object model (i.e. exterior), the object must
be photographed from all sides. This can be done by measuring
out a perimeter and setting up a camera at positions around
the object, moving the camera one shot at a time, but this
is very time consuming, especially if you have to move and
setup lighting and other support equipment.
The other
option is to keep the camera stationary while rotating the
object. To save time, the Museum opted for this technique
and setup temporary mobile photography "studios".
This enabled a faster, more efficient assembly line technique.
As each aircraft arrives at the new facility, it is assembled,
prepared and cleaned. The aircraft is then moved into the
photography studio, rotated and photographed (both inside
and out), and then moves on to be hung for display.
At left
are some very early photos of the studio area on the south
end of the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. The first aircraft
photographed (Monocoupe 110) is shown centered in a circle
marked off with tape at every 10 degrees. This is used to
position the plane for photography and rotate the plane for
each of 36 individual shots. These pictures do not include
new cameras and lighting equipment now in use. The large blue
tarp hung from the rafters serves as a background. Soon 4
additional cameras (mounted on a boom) will enable overhead
views of the objects that will be incorporated into the final
QTVR movies.
