Yellow aphids. Copyright: A.A.Blanker
There has always been a definite value in the Stereo Photography of objects for scientific study, since it is such a convenient means of communicating spatial relations. Unfortunately this value is frequently overlooked. Alfred A. Blanker Leading American expert on scientific photography
Pleasure of viewing
Dose not sound very scientific?
We believe it is. Even when you view an image for strictly scientific study and it appears before of your very eyes in all its natural proportions, you will be pleased!
Stereo photographs, compared to two dimensional images hold much more information. Information is the basis of knowledge. And knowledge is what science is all about. In entertainment terms, viewing stereographs can be described as spectacular, which certainly is beneficial in otherwise dry lectures.
In scientific terms, this additional information represents a vast asset. If recognized, stereography can indeed be a powerful tool.Evaluation of an object in all three dimensions
Conventional photographs do not hold any information regarding the spatial- proportion of an object. It is upon the observer to fill this deficit by applying assumptions, based on his personal experience.
By taking advantage of this, it is easy to play tricks with the camera; e.g. placing a person from the pavement onto the top of a building just by choosing the right lens angle. In stereo photography this trick is impossible, since depth information is precisely recorded in the images and more particulars of the scene become visible. Much as a photograph of a stretch of land is unsuitable for navigation, a photograph of an given object is impractical for the determination of its real proportions.While the photograph gives a good idea of the appearance of the land, it is its projection onto a map which make proper measurement possible. Stereoscopic photographs combine these two aspects. Wherever images are used for documentation purposes, the stereoscopic method vastly increases their value. All object appear in their natural dimensions. The margin for false interpretation is narrowed down drastically.
Exploiting the additional possibilities
After the boom in stereoscopic leisure-photographs subsided, this technique continued to be used in a range of scientific applications. The most common being cartography, where stereoscopic images, taken from airplanes, or satellites are being used to extract all data to form a precise map of a landscape.
Based on the same trigonometrical algorithms, it is possible to derive accurate data of an object from its stereoscopic image. This data can be used to carry out various measurements. Not only is this beneficial for evaluation, but can also prove invaluable for the production of a replica if the original is lost.Continuity of existing Archives
As described, every stereoscopic photograph consists of two images taken from a slightly different angle. These images, regardless of the media, (paper print, slide or computer image), can be stored in exactly the same way as the existing.
Viewed separately both images appear identical and therefore can be used either as common or stereoscopic photographs. Other than for one extra image to be stored, no changes have to be made to any existing archiving method.
This assures the undisrupted continuity of the archive.
If at any given time the decision is taken to discontinue the stereoscopic method, no action at all has to be taken. The extra images can be removed or simply regarded as duplicates.Pricing
As in standard photography, the price of a photograph vastly depends upon the volume and the circumstances of the order. However, it is fair to say, that stereoscopic photographs do not exceed the price of standard professional photographs.
Down Site
Much like every thing in life, stereo photography does have its down side. In our experience we have found that people become so fascinated by this media, that it takes some time before they can concentrate on the real task on hand.
Summary
Stereoscopic Photography adds a entire dimension to the image.
Natural proportions of the objects become visible.
Trigonometric methods can be applied for exact measurements.
Images can be projected as still or motion pictures for a large audience.
The pictures are fascinating to view.
No changes to existing archiving methods are necessary.
The stereoscopic technique can be discontinued without effort.
The price is compatible to standard photographs.
We would be glad to discuss you specific requirements. Please contact us. E-Mail
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General Information
GENERAL
Every stereoscopic image consists of two single images, taken from a slightly different angle. During viewing, each eye is presented one of these images so that the brain can perform the same processes as when looking at the physical scene.
If the horizontal distance of the lenses equals the distance of the human eyes, the resulting image is ortho-scopic and appears exactly as it would be seen by the natural observer. However, by altering this distance, it is possible to generate a determined effect of adding or reducing the intensity of the third dimension. This can be very useful in certain circumstances, especially for demonstration purposes or in measurement applications.VIEWING METHODS
The three dimensional effect is achieved by offering each eye the image it would see when looking at a physical object. Unfortunately, all practical methods of viewing stereoscopic images, require some sort of device to present each eye with only the image from only one of the two part-pictures.
Fortunately, this can be achieved quite easily and stereoscopic images can be viewed on a wide range of media, including Paper Prints, Slides and on a computer or TV screen.Anaglyphs
In the anaglyphic method, the two part-pictures are color coded and placed one on top of the other. Unfortunately, some of the original color information is lost in this process. The benefit of this being, that one single image can be viewed through a set of small, inexpensive filters and the picture can be sized as required. Anaglyphs can be printed or projected on a large screen, as both, still and motion pictures.Pairs of Stereoscopic pictures
Viewing a pair of stereoscopic pictures requires a simple optical instrument consisting of a set of two lenses acting as prisms, to focus each eye on one of the two part-pictures. This principle can also be applied to printed images as well as to slides.Projected Pairs of Stereoscopic
pictures When projected onto a large screen, the separation is best achieved by polarized light and an corresponding set of eyeglass. This method is slightly more expensive in the setup, but provides high quality results with natural colors. Still and motion-picture viewing is possible with this method.We would be glad to discuss you specific requirements. Please contact us. E-Mail
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Copyright Bluebell Publishing Limited 1999. All rights reserved.
Last revised: May 19, 1999
