Stereoptic Images

[David]

Hi All - I'm not sure where this should be posted, but I reckon this section will do. I've been playing around with creating 3D or stereoptic images. Here are a couple of examples. The effect can be quite spectacular.



The basic idea is to take two shots a few inches apart. Close-up shots like this require a separation of about 1 - 2 inches, whereas distance shots need about 2.5 inches, the average separation between the eyes. To view the images, look at them from about 1 metre away and cross your eyes. The 3D version pops out. Most people can do this with a bit of practice. I learnt over 40 years ago when studying undergraduate chemistry. Stereoptic images of molecular structures were all the rage.



This second shot involved taking 5 shots at each of the two positions and then combining them with Combine ZP to achieve a good depth of focus.

Comments and crits welcome as usual.

Cheers

David

[robphoto]

Hi David

Will take your word for it as I would prefer to keep the eyes 'uncrossed' for now!! Avatar has fulffiled my 3D requirements for now!

[cneedha]

I still have my freshman chemistry text from 1979- just broke it out this fall from the storage box as my daughter is taking chemistry. It has a 'steriopticon' for looking at molecules! Works reasonably well on your photos
Chris

[David]

Hi Chris - I remember those devices as well. However, as I recall (but it may have been different in US), the stereoptic images were arranged for "wall-eyed" viewing (ghastly terms I know), i.e. the image taken on the left was put on the left and the image taken on the right was put on the right so that the left eye looked at the left side etc. The images in my examples are arranged so the left shot is on the right of the combined image etc. This is the "cross-eyed" view. Without a stereopticon, using a "cross-eyed" method is easier. However, even the "cross-eyed" arrangement can be successfully viewed with the stereopticon or similar device as the brain appears to compensate. It is quite an eerie thought that what you and I take as obvious 3D in real life is a construct of our brains.

Thanks for your interest and I hope your daughter does well in her chemistry.

Cheers

David

[will_c]

Well this certainly works! I'm not sure that I'd want to look at it for too long, but it's a striking effect.