Re: Historical Preservation

[P3D Julius and June Martin <julius-junem@xxxxxxxxxx>]

My suggestion for others to consider historical preservation was just
that, a suggestion.  All of us have our own priorities and a unique
artistic viewpoint that we automatically bring to our photography.
Again, because stereoscopic photography comes closer to any other
media in recreating that moment in time that I mentioned, it would
seen to be the best medium to use as opposed to 2d photography.  Yet
I must admit that in 1951 I took pictures of a Christmas scene in
Philadelphia that was astonishingly three-dimensional.  (I have not
been able to do that to such a degree with any other camera -- an Argus,
I believe it was.)
     Granted, we do lose the 3d with distance so things like buildings
and other large scale objects do not make the best subjects for 3d,
but a good photographer can maximize the 3d by getting as close as
possible and by using good composition, etc., to improve on the shot.
     The reality of life is that the past is just that -- past.  We
can never go back.  Perhaps the best we can manage is what we record
to remember it by.  Stereoscopic photography seems well-suited to
provide us with what may be the most accurate memories.  I, for one,
am pleased with myself for having taken 3d photos of my oldest son in
plain old black & white when he was two years old.  One reversed image
and a mirror provided viewing.  As a father, that also was a form of
historical preservation of a very personal nature.
     Don't we all do 3d photography because we love the effect of
reality we recreate (or create, for that matter) when we view our work?
     While my photography in the area of preservation is just getting
started, it is interwoven with shots of flowers on the local Rails-to-
Trails path, sunsets (2d), pictures of my son's wedding (3d and the only
3d's of that event in exsistance), shots of my happy mutt on a trail,
... you can all fill in the rest because all of us in the group are
photographing those things in our lives.  Because we, as a group, have
the knowledge, experience, and perhaps the desire, we are uniquely
positioned to do what others are don't/cannot do as well.  We can
preserve the world around us in 3d.  Do it if it appeals to you, if it
is a challenge to you, if you feel inspired to remember that beautiful
facade or old-fashioned store as it once was ... .  If concerned about
ultimate value or collectiability, I have no answer for you.  As I have
said, we are all deeply artistic, each in our own way, or we wouldn't
be going to the trouble to do our work in three-dimensions.  How we
each view our world and the value we place on what we see is the result
of all we are and have been taught.  Most of all, I think it's important
to enjoy the work we do for its intrinsic value and the personal growth
we achieve from our creativity.
     Sorry, I didn't intend to "wax poetic"?, but I used to be a teacher
and sometimes I get long winded.  Perhaps it's enough that we are
doing stereoscopic photography and that we seen to have an increasing
number of people who enjoy it with us.  Certainly I am appreciative of
this group with its spirited discussions and ready advice so freely
given.
     Julius


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