Pigeon photography, also known as aerial photography by homing pigeons, was a technique used in the early 20th century to capture aerial photographs. The technique involved equipping a homing pigeon with a small camera and releasing it from a location, with the intention of capturing images of the area from above as the bird flew back to its home loft.
The concept of using pigeons for aerial photography was first introduced by a German apothecary named Julius Neubronner in the early 1900s. Neubronner initially used his pigeons to deliver medication to his customers, but he soon realized their potential for photography as well. He developed a special lightweight camera that could be strapped to the bird’s chest and trained his pigeons to return to their loft after being released.
During World War I, both sides of the conflict used pigeons to capture aerial photographs of enemy territory. The technique was particularly useful in areas where weather conditions or enemy fire made it difficult to use planes for reconnaissance. Pigeons were able to fly low and slow, making them less likely to be detected, and their small size made them difficult targets for enemy fire.
Pigeon photography continued to be used for aerial reconnaissance through the early 20th century, but the development of more sophisticated cameras and the increased availability of airplanes eventually made it obsolete. However, the use of pigeons for aerial photography remains an interesting and innovative chapter in the history of photography and aerial reconnaissance.
