P3D Is bigger really better?

["Dr. George A. Themelis" <DrT-3d@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

OK, size does not matter.  We all know that... So, what is this
"bigger is better" that Mark D. is saying?

I have seen many stereo slides where cropping would improve them.
Copping means making them smaller.  The size of the frame does
not matter.  What matters is what is inside the frame.  

Say, you take a portrait.  All we see is head and shoulders.  Why 
would you use a 7p mount for this?  Just to fill the screen with 
unimportant image (like the backdrop).  The image shows lack of
balance.  It is not composed well and I take points off for 
things like that.

Now, this said, we must agree that certain type of images have more
impact when mounted in wider mounts.  Scenics is one.  A scenic
projected so that it fills the screen amplifies the feeling of
immersion and (if the subject matter is well chosen and composed)
will have larger impact than the same picture cropped to a smaller
size.  But there is more (much more really) to stereo photography
than scenics.

Why am I saying that?  I just replied to a message from Mark Shields
who was asking if a beamsplitter or Nimlso shot can be mounted in
4p 41x101 mounts and if it will have any chance to compete with
pictures mounted in wider frames.  The answer is YES!  (I think 
even Mark Dottle has won awards in our club for some of his
Nimslo shots).  Dennis Petti, another club member, quite often
remounts Realist shots in 4p mounts to improve composition.
You can also use a circular mount and it can be even smaller than
4p, but very effective.  Everything is possible if done in good
taste!

George Themelis