P3D Stereo Base, Truth, Beauty

[Project3D@xxxxxxx]

Michael Georgoff wrote:

<<Back to the issue of stereo base. There are a few folks whom I consider
very accomplished at stereo photography, and very distinguished, I might
add, (whom I often refer to as "the Tribal Elders") who are from the
"Don't Worry, Shoot Happy" school of thought.  This surprised me, I
thought it was required that you go though a "trial by math".  Some of
the Modern Masters have a "I don't need to steenkin' math" attitude.
Some have told me they started with a bit of math long ago, but don't
use it currently.  I believe that these folks, based on experience, have
"gotten it" and now shoot intuitively.  Some probably by trial and error
have learned what works, and if you put it to a "math test" (which
really comes down to on-film-deviation), it would stand up.  And, these
folks have mounted enough in their day to have gotten past that
difficult-to-learn stage.>>

Yes, the separation is calculated on the fly rather like the exposure. You
glance at the scene and illumination and experience tells you what settings to
make, OR you make choice based on physical properties of equipment and the
expecte subject distance and set up the lens separation of your rig, the shoot
away within the design parameters.

<<I'd be curious to hear from others.  How do you do stereo? 
A) Don't Worry, Shoot Happy.  
B) 1:30.
C) Some math.
D) As much math as I can get
E) Other (specify)>>

A) for most situations where I am  using a fixed rig
B) for scenic cha-chas
D) for initial experiments with close-ups etc followed by (A) once I'm used to
that type of situation/equipment combination.

<<And, are you/are we?:
A) Stereo photographers
B) Stereographers
C) Stereoist
D) Stereo nuts (as suggested by certain spouses)>>

Never (C) but all the others at different times. I've just enjoyed being a (D)
at Richmond :-)

Bob Aldridge
Currently in Boston, but usually in London...


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