[photo-3d] Trick/Creative photography in 3d - Part II

["Dr. George A. Themelis" <drt-3d@xxxxxxx>]

*** Multiple Exposures

This is a simple area of trick photography that can be 
readily explored with a stereo camera.  Most stereo cameras 
from the 1950s allow to double expose a frame.  In earlier 
Stereo Realist models, double exposures are often done 
unintentionally.

Objects superimposed in the two exposures will appear 
transparent.  Typical examples are the "ghost" or "angel" 
pictures which are occasionally seen in turn-of-the-century 
stereo views.  To avoid this effect you will need to use a 
dark background and be careful not to overlap bright objects.  
One example are the "twins" (same person recorded in two 
different areas of the scene).

*** Object placement Control

Multiple exposures usually require good placement control 
of objects in the scene.  This can be achieved by marking 
the location of key objects in the camera viewfinder directly 
with a marker.  I have done this with my Stereo Realist, 
which has the advantage of a large, centrally-located view 
finder.  These marks can be later cleaned with alcohol.  

I have also marked my Realist with a generic "X" to mark the 
center (see top right picture).  A set of grid lines will 
divide the viewfinder into several sections.  This can aid 
general composition, in addition to trick photography work.

*** Example: "Live Portrait"

Here is how I applied a simple double exposure to take a 
picture of me, next to a "live" portrait of myself:  
First I took a picture of myself next to a picture frame 
which was covered with a black cloth inside (no picture).  
Then I marked the location of the frame in the Realist's 
viewfinder and I also measured the exact distance of the 
frame from the camera.  Then, without advancing the film, 
I moved the camera outside in the dark (it was night) and 
changed to all dark clothes.  I positioned the Realist and 
placed myself right where the frame was in the first picture 
(using the marking in the viewfinder) and I made sure I was 
standing just a bit behind the distance of the frame and I 
took a second picture.  

(Note:  The newsletter reproduces a similar picture taken 
by Tommy Thomas and found Tommy's article on "Trick Stereo
Photography" in the Stereo Realist Manual book.)

To be continued....

George Themelis

 

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