P3D Summary (fate of personal stereo images)

[fj834@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (Dr. George A. Themelis)]

Subject: P3D  Fate of our stereo images.

Possible solutions:

1. Keep in the family
2. Donate all to a museum or institution
3. Donate the best to an institution
4. Sell all or parts to private collectors/enthusiasts
5. Discard

Reality:

- General public does not care for stereo images unless they are of
well-known public figures or have historical value (even in this case, they
are usually reproduced in books in 2D).

- There is no organized system of institutions accepting/cataloguing stereo
images except for isolated cases of mostly unpaid volunteers (Ron
Fredrickson for PSA, NSA Library for NSA)

- There is a small market of collectors or stereo enthusiasts who are
buying 50s snapshots for the accidental masterpieces or that "glimpse of
the past in three dimensions".  Price paid depends on condition, subject
(nudes must be "hotter" than golf courses :-)), quality and recognition of
the photographer's name.

Based on the above, I conclude that some combination of 1-5 is appropriate
(including throwing away parts of them - you must see what I have seen to
appreciate this statement).  No sense in donating everything to the small
group of volunteers and overload the system.  Send representative good work
to them.  Have other parts distributed (I assume sold/auction but a lot is
still given for free) among collectors.  Let the family get any "family
treasures" they want to preserve.  Also, if you are known for good stereo
work or have some subject of interest to stereo enthusiasts, consider
selling your images now.  (Tommy Thomas did that but have not been able to
find any of his slides.)  If you are holding into large collections of
"average" stereo images, consider "recycling" by selling/trading with other
enthusiasts.

Other questions of interest that might play a part:

- Preservation of original work:  Will your images last the test of time? 
  (see comments on shooting B&W or Kodachrome)

- Will technology come with a more convenient solution of storing/searching
  stereo images?

- How is the public's recognition/appreciation of stereo going to change in
  the future?

George Themelis


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