Plate 15, from an untitled album of World War I photographs, 1918/19

Gelatin silver print
Gift of William Kistler, 1977.691

The ideal time of day to take clear aerial photographs was either early in the morning or in the evening, when long shadows helped define the battlefield topography. Fresh snowfall was also advantageous, as it revealed recent troop movement and blast marks from otherwise concealed artillery locations.

Inscribed recto, on album page, lower left, in black/brown ink: “Camps des Romains (St. Mihiel)”; printed recto, on album page, lower right, in black ink: “Photographic Section. / Air Service. American Expeditionary Forces.”; inscribed recto, on album page, lower right, in blue ink: “15”; unmarked verso