3-D publications and movies of the '50's were my introduction to the fascinating world of stereo imaging. I began doing stereo photography in the mid '70's using 35mm SLR's. In recent years I've been using pairs of DSLR's with synchronized shutters. My subjects include people, events, golf resorts, architecture, museums, amusement parks, nature, landscapes, trains, planes, cars, art sculpture and miniatures. I have been involved with various photography organizations including the Potomac Society of Stereo Photographers (PSSP) in Washington, D.C. where I've been the recipient of awards ranging from honorable mention through first place. My photography and 3-D inventiveness has been published in various periodicals.
The long (lenses) and ---
short (lenses) of it ---
In the early '50's the first wave of 3-D comics hit the newsstands followed by a wave of 3-D movies in theaters. Viewers would often be seen wearing red and green glasses. In reality the "red/green" glasses were necessary for viewing publications; but for higher quality movie viewing some theaters used "polarized" glasses which appear to be slightly gray tinted sunglasses. Polarized glasses permit a full range of viewable true color whereas the red/green glasses cause color distortion. Today's theaters and IMAX use the latest high tech polarization methods for 3-D presentations.
Actually 3-D has been popular "in waves" since about the mid 1800's when Victorian parlor Holmes viewers were common through the early 1900's. Resurgences in interest have occurred in the early to mid 50's (comics and theaters), mid 70's (comics and magazines including Sports Illustrated and National Geographic) and again in the early 2000's with theaters, IMAX and TV leading the way. Disney Studios is one of the major contributors to this current resurgence by producing several new 3-D theater productions. The 2008 televised Super Bowl had several 3-D commercials and there have been numerous 3-D TV specials during the past few years. James Cameron's IMAX 3-D movie, Avatar, was one of the biggest theater hits in 2010.
3-D PC monitors and 3-D home theater TV's became popular during 2000-2012; this brought PC gaming and the home theater experience to a new level. And with the use of a low-cost viewing device it is now possible to view bright, full color 3-D images on iPhones and iPods. All of these options also help to provide businesses ways to more effectively promote their products.
**************************************************** An interesting 3-D link:
http://www.undersea3d.com/ Mark Blum is a 3 -D nature photographer and writer best known for his pioneering work in underwater stereo photography.
