Re: [photo-3d] Re: Newbie question-near point distance

["John A. Rupkalvis" <stereoscope@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

----- Original Message -----
From: "Dr. George A. Themelis" <drt-3d@xxxxxxx>
To: <photo-3d@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Sunday, April 29, 2001 6:24 PM
Subject: Re: [photo-3d] Re: Newbie question-near point distance

A very good list, George, and I agree with it for most commonly found
subjects (don't forget, you will find exceptions to these as well, that
require different parameters).

> - Animal close-ups photographed from far away using
>   135mm and longer lenses and without infinity in
>   the picture: Use McKay's principle (increase stereo
>   base proportionally to the increase in the FL)

One other thing about animal stereography.  It pays to read up on and know
something about the particular animal's habits and "skittishness" - how
close you can expect to get before the animal gets "spooked" and departs.
Then you can plan a "range" within which you expect to get most of your
images.

This is important, because in animal imaging, you usually have to preset
everything, preferably before even going into the field.  You usually have a
window of only a few seconds to get "the shot" before the animal changes
position.  Most wild animals will, if not actually run away, at least turn
away from you in preparation for flight as soon as they sense your presence.

Learn to practice stealth in approaching an animal.   Try to stay in a
position where the wind is blowing toward you, not toward the animal.  Most
wild animals will know that you are there by scent even before they can see
or hear you.

Many professional wildlife photographers make a point of never approaching a
wild animal.  Rather, they remain in one place until the animal feels that
they are just part of the scenery, and approaches them.  This can sometimes
take hours (or, not even happen at all).  Patience is the most important
tool in the professional wildlife photographer's kit.

Paul Kenworthy, the nature photographer who shot much of Walt Disney's "The
Living Desert" taught me many things about wildlife photography.  He
sometimes spent weeks with his camera gear and telephoto lenses set up for a
single shot.  It took over a year to get the footage for that film, but if
you have ever seen it, I think you will thank him for his skill and
patience.  My only regret is that he didn't shoot it with a stereo rig.

JR


 

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