Mailinglist Archives:
Infrared
Panorama
Photo-3D
Tech-3D
Sell-3D
MF3D

Notice
This mailinglist archive is frozen since May 2001, i.e. it will stay online but will not be updated.
<-- Date Index --> <-- Thread Index --> [Author Index]

TOP 10: WHY STEREO's MORE REAL THAN REALITY



          I perused Mr. Warren's piece on how stereo shots seem
          "surreal" ("surrealism" in its original context, meant
          psychologically "super real").  So now, I am submitting my
          own expository two-cents worth, (get out the scissors and
          tape folks, so you can put this on you bathroom mirror or
          refrigerator):

          TOP TEN REASONS WHY STEREO IS MORE REAL THAN REALITY:

          10.  The slightly wider interocular distance of most stereo
          cameras add to depth perception (everything stands out
          more).

          9.   Fine slide film can intensify color saturation
          (everything's brighter).

          8.   Fine slide film can heighten contrast (everything's
          sharper and more defined).

          7.   Using adequate depth-of-field on the shot, the eye can
          view a stereo image's depth-planes without constantly
          refocusing (all depth focus on ONE physical plane of the
          film - really reaching here...you optomologists out there
          can probably tear me apart on this one).

          6.   A well-exposed flash shot in stereo freezes transient
          details in time AND space (Mr. Flock's dart-in-balloon
          shots).

          5.   A good stereo viewer can be more adjustable and
          accommodating that ones normal vision (brightness,
          interocular and focus adjustments on a fine, Dr. T. viewer).

          4.   Macrostereo can take our perception into unseen
          dimensions and clarify tiny structures through depth
          perception (stereo electron microscope shots of fly heads).

          3.   Hyperstereo can impart a "giant" or "godlike"
          perception of large spaces and provide information and
          detail that would never otherwise be noticed (air
          reconnaissance shots of Cuban missles).

          2.   Heightened artistic perception of reality when one
          composes stereo-photos regarding the Z axis and its depth
          intervals, as well as the traditional 2-D shapes and their
          spatial intervals (nice examples from the late Ted Lambert).

          AND THE NUMBER ONE REASON WHY STEREO IS BETTER THAN
          REALITY...(drumroll please...)

          1.   Because I've thrown so much time and money into this
          stuff, IT HAD BETTER BE.


          LS


------------------------------