Learn 3D Photography – Tips and Tricks on How to Take Stereo Photographs - It's Easier Than You Think!

Do you remember those Magic Eye books that were popular some years back? The ones where you’d relax – or in some cases, strain – your eyes until an image appeared before your eyes in 3D?

Did you know it is quite easy to produce the same effects using nothing but your digital camera and some know-how? The process is called stereo photography.

Stereo photography is achieved when two photos taken from slightly different perspectives are placed side-by-side and then the viewer forces their eyes to merge the photos. The result is an image which creates the feeling of depth: a 3D photo.

Photo by Genista

There are several ways to create 3D images including the use of a scanner, microscope, video camera or image editing software. This article concentrates on generating 3D images using nothing but your digital camera and imagination.

1. Decide on a subject. When first learning the art of stereo photography, two things you should avoid are complex images and subjects that are too close to the camera. Objects such as buildings or trees make great foreground subjects, while mountains, distant buildings or other large landscapes make for excellent background objects.
2. Take two shots. The idea is to take one photo and then reposition your camera slightly to the left and take the second shot. The closer your foreground subject is to the camera, the less you’ll need to shift your camera. To illustrate how slight the camera needs to move, a foreground object 20 feet away will only need the camera shifted less than 12 inches.

Photo byjoserodmon

The second page of this article will provide you with:

• Tips and techniques on how to master the art of stereo photography
• Advice on how to view 3D images
• Valuable resources that will further your knowledge of stereo photography and help to assist you in viewing 3D photos
• Links that provide you with several 3D images taken by other photographers