P3D Depth in stereography?

["Andrea Blair" <asblair@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

I guess I may as well put my 2-D cents in as well. My impression of 
stereo (3-D) photography is that it is set apart from "flat" (2-D) 
photography because of the perceived depth. I am not drawn to "flat" 
stereo (an oxymoron?) images for the most part. I expect to see some 
sort of depth to support the medium. In a few cases "shallow depth" can 
be used creatively, as can "extreme depth." The perceived depth is what 
distinguishes my 2-D images apart from my 3-D images. As I previously 
stated in my checklist, *some* images can work well in both formats. 
But, a great 2-D shot is not necessarily a great (or even mediocre) 3-D 
shot and vice versa (the same is true for B&W and color films). When *I* 
look at any image, I'm looking for impact; i.e., what impresses *me*. 
This is subjectional, not a standard. The *golden rules* can guide you 
in acheiving an image that should, technically, be full of impact. But 
there are many other variables to consider. We had a judge in our 2-D 
club once that announced as he sat down that he didn't like the color 
green. Too bad for 90% of the participants who entered nature shots! Did 
it make any of the shots that had gren in them bad? No, they just didn't 
have the impact that particular judge was looking for. When *I* look at 
stereo images, one of the impact points I consider is the depth. Not 
that it has to be in your face, but how creatively has depth been used 
to enhance this scene. How has the 3rd dimension been utilized? I also 
look for technical merits and composition (as in 2-D).

It will be interesting to hear Boris' comments on stereo after he has 
judged the competitions. Don't expect PSA to change overnight, though. 
We'll have to drag some of it kicking and screaming into the '90s (or as 
close as we can get). {:>) The best way we can show the progression of 
photography and ideas is to join in. So I am expecting you entries any 
day now (unless, of course, you would like to judge)! {:>) 

Don't forget that competitions are not the only way to *test* your 
images. Join a folio or circuit and pass images around to each other and 
get critique and comments. Sometimes you look at your own images 
differently when you get them back.

Andrea S. Blair
asblair@xxxxxxxxxxx

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