Stereo pairs

Stereo photography works by taking two pictures, one from the perspective of the left eye and one from the right, and then viewing the pair in the same way. In other words, when viewing, the left eye must look at the left picture and the right eye must look at the right picture. Reversing the pictures will cause a strange illusion much like if your eyes were reversed. Normally, a viewer is used, but with a little practice one can "free-view" the pictures and get an acceptable, if not perfect, image. To free-view a pair, place the images fairly close to your eyes (depending on their size), and slowly allow your eyes to focus farther, until both images blend into one. Actually, you will see three images, but concentrate on the middle one. Your brain will do the rest and the blended image will appear in 3-D. Experiment with distances until the best image is achieved. You may also view these with a stereoscope or other stereo print viewer.

Take it easy at first. Freeviewing for extended periods may be uncomfortable at first, so take breaks after a few views.

E-mail:jrpollo@worldnet.att.net

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