Number of visitors since 23 November 1997:
Third dimension
Number of visitors since 23 November
1997:
Have you ever seen those "strange" images which, looked through a "strange instrument", look like if they are solid object? They are usually visible through red/blue glasses, but there are also some toys which work by two lens. In any case, looking at those photo is very more impressive than looking at "classic", bi-dimensional photographies.
But, perhaps you don't know that anybody is able to make his own 3D photo! It's not so difficult, and you will discover that a lot of nice landscapes which look bad in normal photos, will keep all their beauty if you will photograph them in 3D.
Now you will discover how to make your own 3D photo, and how to see them.
First of all, you must know that there are several different ways to make
and to see 3D photo, and that this two operations (making and seeing) are
very different in being executed. I will explain only one method for making
photo, for the moment, and three or four methods to see photos made in this
way. Each looking-method is more complex than previous; the last one described
is the more complex, but it also gives the greatest pleasure!
So, let's start:
Making a 3D photo
We'll now see the easiest way to make 3D photo: it just consists in
making two photos to the same object (or landscape, or person, or....), but,
after making the first one, you will move your camera toward your right by
about 5-6 centimeters (about 2 inches), and then you will make the other
photo; but, it's very important that, in both photos, always
the same subject will be at the centre of the frame, else you will
obtain "strange" photos, apparently divided into several "plans", one behind
the other: this is not what we want.
That's all: your 3D photo is ready to be viewed!
But, now it begins the more difficult part of the game....
Just a bit of technical data...
Before starting anyone of projects described below, you should know a basilar
concept:
to be able to view a three-dimensional image, we must see a different image
for each eye; infact, in normal life, as our eyes are positioned some centimeters
distant one from the other, each one can see different view of same object.
For example: put a pen laid down on your table, with its top looking at you;
then, position your head so that you can see the pen as a "vertical line"
exactly in front of you; well, now, without moving your head, close your
left eye, and look at the pen; keep in your mind what you see, then open
your left eye, and close right one: do you see? Now you see the same pen,
but it appear quite different from previous image, isnt'it? Try again: open
right, close left, then open left and close right... ok?
Viewing 3D photos
Well, now you know that each eye sees a different image. Then, if you want
to see a three-dimensional image, you must "compel" your eyes to see different
images. Do you remember? You made two different photos to the same subject;
well, now you have to make each one of your eye look at only one of those
photos. How can you do it? There are four ways:
1) The simplest way is to make your developer print your photos not wider than 5 centimeters; then, put them lied down on your table, taking care to put on the left that one you made before, when camera was on the left; photos must touch each other by one side. Now, put your head near the photos, focus them, and then look at them as if you were attempting to see what is behind them, under the table: you will see your viewing become double. Don't worry! It's just what we want to do! When your viewing become double, you can see that two photos appear as if one is over the other; well, adjust your sight, until they are exactly overlaid: tah dah! The 3rd dimension appeared! (Or not?...)
2) Somebody doesn't like previous method to see 3D images, they are not able
to do it. If you are one of them, try this one:
you will need two identical magnifying glasses; you will also need two photos
printed not wider than 5 centimeters, again; finally, you have to position
them as previously described; but now, to look at them, keep two magnifying
glasses just in front of your eyes, and then approach two photos, until you
can easily focus them. Now, try moving magnifiying glasses to the right or
to the left, attempting to make two photos overlay. When you will success,
you will see the third dimension!
3) If you succeeded with second method, now you may desire to have a more comfortable way to look at your photos; you should try to build by your hand an instrument to keep two magnifying glasses separated by 5 centimeters, and 10-15 centimeters far from a board where you will place your photo; it would be better if the magnifying glasses are able to slide, to become more or less far from photos, to adjust focus. You can look at my own project, and try to make an instrument like that.
4) If you really liked the 3rd dimension, then maybe you would like
to improve your way to see 3D photos: there is a method which allows you
to see normal photos, that is photos 15 centimeters wide, or more; it is
very complex at the beginning, but once you will have done the job,
it will be very easy seeing your 3D photo.
You have to build a complex instrument, which you can see described in the
picture: you need, first of all, 4 mirrors of 15x15 centimeters, and then
some little planks to fix them as described in the picture; be careful to
make mirrors be parallel two by two: two left mirrors must be parallel one
to the other, and so two right mirrors; you also have to twist them about
30 degrees from the bottom line. Then, you will place your photos & eyes
as showed in the picture, seen from the upper side.
Well, that's all; I don't know if it's all clear, because my english is not so good.
If you have any question, write me at cassioli@iol.it .
Here they are some examples of 3D photos: you can see them just on the screen, if you are using a 640x480 resolution, or you can print them and see them using one of the methods described above.
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