Re: Image selection for various media

[P3D Dr. George A. Themelis <fj834@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Some very interesting thoughts from Adam, our young stereo dreamer:

>This fact [that the same images look different in different media]
>is very unfortunate as I'm sure we'd all like to share 
>our best images using whatever media we prefer or choose 
>(be it slide/print viewer, projector, the we or other) without 
>losing any of the stereo effect or image quality.

This is a complicated issue and some aspects of it (eg. viewer vs.
projection) have been discussed in the past here in photo-3d.  Some times
this difference is an inherent characteristic of the medium.  Stereo
projection for example tends to favor simple compositions and bold colors
in large masses.  Scenes with a lot of detail or high contrast do not work
well in projection.  Small details are better appreciated in a good bright
viewer.

>How can we even begin to create consistency across this variety of media?

In one sentence, we can't.  Even if we control everything from our side, we
cannot usually control the viewer selection/adjustment from the other side.
Computers is one example.  But consider also the following:

Example #1:  I belong to several "Realist-format" stereo slide circuits. 
One might think that this is a clear-cut situation since people use the
same format in similar viewers.  Well, it is not.  When I enter slides that
look good in my red-button viewer, I have no clue how they look in the
other side.  If inferior quality optics are used by others then what it is
being seen is very different than what I see.  But even if they use the
same viewer they still might be getting a different picture.  An obvious
example:  My 7p slides will not look 7p in an unmodified Realist red button
viewer.  The brightness of the viewer can make a big difference too.  I use
a bright halogen bulb and that affects my judgment and selection of images
to include.  The next person might be using a No. 14 bulb or exhausted
batteries... who knows...

Example #2:  One might think that "Realist format" stereo projection is
pretty much standardized.  Not so.  Depending on where the person is
sitting, which projector is used, which person is doing the projection, the
size & placement of the screen, etc., the results will vary.  This explains
the frustration that many workers feel when their slides, which project
beautifully in their setup, are not accepted in PSA exhibitions.  Small
factors can make a big difference.

The bottom line for me is to take advantage of the inherent characteristics
of different viewing media by selecting images that work well with the
specific medium and keep your fingers crossed when your work is viewed or
judged by people with some freedom in controlling their own viewing
conditions.

George Themelis

PS.  It is interesting that there are images which work well in a variety
of media, computer screens, viewers, projection, etc.  Trying to achieve
this could result in rather severe limitations in one's photographic
subjects and style, IMO.


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