Re: Lenses and Contrast

[P3D Larry Berlin <lberlin@xxxxxxxxx>]

>Alan Carrano wrote:
>
>> Yes sometimes a better picture, but...Don't you think such "moody"
>> pictures belong more often in the world of the 'one eye's?'   I know
>> when I do 2D, the almost surreal effect of low contrast tends to give
>> that "artistic impression" of reality, rather than capturing reality.
>> Since 3D leans heavily on the capturing of reality, I find less need or
>> desire to shoot for "moody" renditions of subjects in stereo
>> photography.
>
>Eric G. comments:
>Agreed. I also raised this point recently... that by its very nature,
>stereo photography tends to enhanse the depiction of photographic
>reality, and that this extra dose of reality works against more abstract
>photographic expression.
>
>

While I understand the sentiment being expressed, I can't agree with the
conclusion. The wonderful world of 3D is just as worthwhile for moody or
artistic renditions as any other art form. Just because it records a level
of reality missed by ordinary photography doesn't mean that special effects
aren't effective. It is only needful to understand that such effects require
different tuning. 

Most important to keep in mind is that of the effect's goal. If you are
after an artistic impression, consider what that impression is. If it's soft
moodiness, remember that to make it translate in 3D it must be expressed
accurately in 3D the same as the base image is expressed. Just adding a
foggy filter to the lens may not apply the misty effect where it is desired.
Even if the effect filter is used identically on each lens. This difficulty
by itself shouldn't discourage experimentation and doesn't justify the
conclusion that special effects are not usable.

The *extra dose of reality* provided by 3D only works against conventional
2D abstract expression (No surprise there!). Translate your idea of
abstraction into the full dimensions of your image and you will get one that
works. In other words, shooting 3D photos means composing everything,
including any special effects used with your scene in 3D too.

If you have an example of one of these effects in a 2D image, study it for
what the effect is doing for you the viewer. Strive to create such a feeling
in your 3D work. Try to photographically place the appropriate effect in the
3D space around the subject. Note that this involves keeping the subject
sharply focused while providing the effect as something tangible in the
surroundings. If you are striving for some romantic fogginess, make it a
cloud of mist surrounding the subject instead of simple diffusion of light.
The 2D version of this *simulates* the 3D effect of a foggy cloud, but the
2D fog filter placed on a 3D camera does a poor job of creating a 3D version
of the effect.

If it can't be done easily in the camera for a single shot set-up, think
about shooting your special effects as separate images and carefully double
expose or compile your final image from several sets of stereo images. It's
possible that some experimentation will yield a new approach to filtering
for effects that work in 3D. I know the effects work, it's a matter of
discovering ways to implement them in the camera and the darkroom. 

Starting with the *one-eyed* idea that *it can't be done* is a one
dimensional viewpoint that doesn't encourage progress in 3D expression.
Giving the mistaken impression that favorite effects from the 2D world
somehow no longer apply or will no longer be available makes the prospects
for 3D look dismal. If that's what certain CEO's have to consider when
evaluating whether or not to use 3D, it's no wonder they opt to stick with
tried and $true$ 2D productions. Who wants boring reality? What sells is
enhanced and/or artificial reality which serious 3D folk are aware is
available in good 3D.

Ultimately a recorded image is a medium of communication. Artistic effects
are inflections of visual communication. 3D offers a unique range of
inflections still open for exploration. While convergence and accomadation
are important aspects of 3D, focusing the attention and flavoring the
impressions of the mind which interprets the 3D scene is what special
effects are good for.

Larry Berlin

Email: lberlin@xxxxxxxxx
http://www.sonic.net/~lberlin/


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