3D looking pictures

3D Pictures

• Optical Illusions
• 3D Pictures

3D Pictures can create perception of 3D on 2D screen or sidewalk. There can be, for instance, the following types:

1. Flickering Stereo Images - 1 object taken from 2 angles and the 2 photos alternate quickly
2. Stereograms - chaos at first sight, but after focusing behind it, 3D image will emerge
3. 3D Pavement Drawings - anamorphic illusions having special distortion that create an impression of 3 dimensions when seen from one particular viewpoint
4. Other Anamorphic Illusions - at first sight random lines painted on walls that make a complete picture only when viewed from 1 place

 

Flickering Stereo Images

Plunge

You almost want to jump in the water :-) (by Jim Gasperini)

Stone Gate

Virtual walk in the nature (by Jim Gasperini).

Stereograms

Butterfly Stereogram

You won't need any 3D glasses to find 3 dimensional objects in the following pictures. The trick is not to focus on the picture/screen but to FOCUS BEHIND it, as if you wanted to look through the screen. Relax, as if you were day dreaming. It might take some practice.
Another way works for me personally better. Get really close to the screen (literally, touch the screen with your nose :-), you won't see anything sharp and that's good. Now slowly move away from the screen (remember to keep the focus BEHIND the screen) and usually around 10 inches away from the screen you should see the 3D image.
You should see a green butterfly if you relax and focus through the screen. Take your time. Click the image to enlarge it so that nothing distracts you.

Dinosaurs Stereogram

Can you find both dinosaurs?

Cup Stereogram

What's in that cup?

Einstein Stereogram

The famous equation should be revealed on this picture.

3D Pavement Drawings (by Julian Beever)

Batman - Chalk Drawing

One of the greatest artists that draws 3D illusions with chalk on pavement is definitely Julian Beever. Enjoy the ride.

Hosepipe - 3D Illusion

Is the water real or not?

Shark - 3D Chalk Art

Let your imagination go.

Dungeon

Scary scene.

Boat

Roll, roll, roll the boat, gently down the ... pavement.

Waterfall

Taking the plunge.

Concrete World

The world is in our hands.

Accident

Be careful down the stairs.

Crater

Explosion of crayons.

Grasshopper

Would you like to play with this grasshopper?

Snail

Creepy creature looks so real.

Wheel of Fortune

It all starts well on this bench.

If you enjoyed these sidewalk drawings, then be sure to visit more art illusions.

Other Anamorphic Illusions

Illusion Inside Building

Painting on walls, if viewed from a specific angle, can create illusion of 3D.

Another Interior Anamorphic Illusion

Painting on walls, if viewed from a specific angle, can create illusion of 3D.

 

Check out more Photo Illusions >>

If you like these brain teasers then feel free to share them with your friends.

What is 3D Photography? (Easy Tips to Get Started)

When someone mentions 3D, many of us will think of going to the movies and putting on those weird 3D glasses. The film jumps out at us rather than being a flat image on the screen.

3D photography follows the same logic. It creates images with more depth. They’re more real-to-life, and the detail is lifted off the page. It can make us feel like we’re in the picture, not just looking at it.

But what exactly is 3D photography? And how does it differ from normal photography?

In this article, we’re going to take a deep dive into the world of how to take 3D photos. We’ll look at the history of 3D images and how they’re made. And we’ll also give some tips for getting started.

And don’t worry. You won’t need any special glasses for this article.

Anaglyph, 3D photo by Shahrokh Dabiri, Creative Commons License.

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What is 3D Photography?

A standard photograph, whether printed or digital, is only two-dimensional. We can only detect height and width. There is no depth, making the image look flat.

3D photography introduces depth into the image. Adding a third dimension makes the subject sound proud or makes us believe we can move inside the photo.

It looks great, but how is 3D photography done?

How 3D Photos Work

Humans see the world in 3D. Our eyes can detect height, width, and depth. Our brain processes the information from both of our eyes to give us stereopsis vision. It means we have depth perception and can judge distances.

3D images employ the same principle. It uses two photos of the same subject. One offset from the other. The two images are then merged to create a photo with three dimensions.

You’re using the two images at slightly different angles to create stereopsis vision with the camera. Seeing the image from different perspectives brings depth and body to the photo. We are still looking at the flat photo. But the effect of the two offset images tricks our brain into thinking there is depth.

Photo by James Bak.

A Brief History of 3D Photography

3D photos, much like 3D movies, have a reputation for being a bit of a fad. It falls in and out of fashion. Its popularity is on the rise again, but it’s not a modern phenomenon. It has been around for decades.

The Stereoscope

The first development came way back in 1833 when Sir Charles Wheatstone invented the stereoscope. You look into this device, and two separate images of the same scene are displayed. There is one image for each eye. Your brain puts them together, and you get a 3D image.

The Viewmaster

Wheatstone’s stereoscope used illustrations. But William Henry Fox Talbot and Sir David Brewster developed the idea using photographs. This invention developed into the Viewmaster. Something you can still buy today.

The Stereo Camera

The stereoscope uses two photos to create the 3D image in your mind. It is not a 3D photo. But as technology developed through the early 20th century, these ideas were adopted by camera manufacturers.

In the 1940s, we saw the first stereo camera. The camera uses two separate lenses and sensors to capture the same scene from different angles. These simulate human binocular vision and create a three-dimensional image.

The first stereo camera was the Stereo Realist, which hit the market in 1947. This Kodak Stereo Camera followed this in 1954. And the Russian Sputnik stereo camera in 1955.

The First Compact 3D Camera

The Nimslo 3D was the first compact 3D camera for consumer use. It was released in the 1980s and used 35mm film. And you didn’t need special glasses to view the photos.

Stereo card of a stereoscope in use (1901), Library of Congress, Public Domain.

How to Make 3D Photos

All this talk of stereopsis and binocular vision might put you off from taking 3D photos. The language has been a tad academic. But don’t worry. You don’t have to be a scientist to make 3D images.

There are now many ways to create 3D photos. You can do it in post-processing with Photoshop. Or you can even get apps on your smartphone. Facebook even has an application for uploading 3D images to its platform.

With digital photography, you can duplicate your photo. In post-processing, you can then create minor differences to each image. When you merge them, you create a 3D photo.

But you don’t have to rely on computers. If you still like getting your hands dirty, there are some manual processes you can try. Buying a vintage stereo camera isn’t a bad option. You can find a Sputnik in pretty good condition online.

But you don’t even need a 3D camera. You can experiment with taking 3D photographs with your DSLR or even your smartphone. We’ll take you through three more hands-on techniques.

3D stereo photo by relaxed now, Creative Commons License.

1. The Rocking Method

It’s the most straightforward method, and you don’t need any additional equipment. All you need is your camera. And your smartphone camera will work too.

First, the subject or scene needs to be identified. With 3D images, the subject has to be static. Anything that moves, even slightly, won’t work.

Once the scene has been chosen and framed, the photographer needs to find a strong footing. Then, for the first shot, they will put their body weight on one foot. This will make them lean slightly in that direction.

For the second shot, the photographer will transfer their weight to the other foot. The result is two offset photos of the same scene. It’s the same image but from a slightly different perspective.

You then need to bring the images together. You can use Photoshop, as well as Stereo Photo Maker and AutoPano.

3D photo of a showcase in a bazaar, Shahrokh Dabiri, Creative Commons License.

2. The Tripod Method

This technique is similar to the rocking method but uses a tripod. A tripod may be needed if the lighting is a problem or if you’re working in a studio. 3D techniques are a great way to add spice to your fashion photography or product photography.

The subject or model needs to be in the centre of the frame. The first shot is taken like that. Then the camera and tripod are moved to the left or right. They should not be moved more than two inches as this is the average distance between a human’s eyes.

Before the second shot is taken, the subject needs to be re-centred. This may involve changing the angle slightly to keep the same framing. Then it’s time for the second shot.

Again, the two images have to be merged in post-processing.

Sputnik Stereo Camera, Bilby, Creative Commons License.

3. Make Your Own Mirror Splitter

This method is a bit more complicated and involves some DIY skills. But it can be great fun to experiment with, and the results are awe-inspiring.

There are four mirrors used in total: two small mirrors and two large mirrors. The small mirrors are used to split your frame. And the two large mirrors then reflect the view back onto the subject.

The result is two images of the same scene in one picture. But due to the position of the mirrors, the two images are slightly offset from one another. They are then combined to make the 3D photo.

The diagram below will help to illustrate the experiment.

Tips for Taking 3D Photographs

No matter which method you use to take 3D images, here are four things that always need to be considered.

1. Subjects Need to Be Still, and Movement Kept to a Minimum

The subject or scene needs to be carefully selected. With 3D photography, the subject needs to be completely still. You need more than one photo of the same subject but from slightly different positions. While the camera changes position, the subject has to remain the same.

Any movement and the 3D effect will be lost. The 3D photographer needs to keep this in mind even if they are shooting a scene. The scene they select must include as little movement as possible. They need to be aware of any people or cars moving within the frame. Even leaves moving in the breeze can cause problems.

A photographer can make 3D photos with moving subjects, but this requires two cameras. And the photographer also needs to keep any movement with the two cameras to a minimum. They will need to move to take the two different shots. But other than that, they need to stay as still as they can. Using a tripod does make this easier. If they don’t have one, the photographer must work hard to keep the shot as close as possible.

The photographer also has to use the same camera settings for each shot. And they need to remember what the settings were in case they do need to retake the shot.

2. Frame Images in the Same Way for 3D Images

The images for 3D photography have to be near-identical. This means the photographer has to keep the framing for each image the same. A lack of movement also helps with this. But the photographer will need to know what is in the frame.

It’s important to note what objects or landmarks are at the edge of the frame. They give a point of reference so the photographer can achieve the same frame again.

Using the grid view on a digital camera can be useful when framing 3D photos. The shot can be composed using the grid lines, as they match up with certain landmarks in the frame.

Kodak Stereo Camera, Magnus Manske, Creative Commons License.

3. Strategically Position The Subject for a 3D Image

The subject needs to be in the centre of the frame. Whether they are a model or something inanimate, they need to be kept in the middle of the shot. If the subject moves out of the centre between shots, the photo will look blurred. The final image won’t look clear and will lack the 3D effect.

The subject should also be fairly close to the camera. If they are too small and distant, it’ll be difficult to achieve the 3D effect with your camera.

Because depth is a crucial element of 3D photography, photographers should not position the subject in front of a flat wall. A close backdrop will remove all depth from the image, leaving only a 2D image. Distant background detail can also add more points of reference to create an accurate depth map.

3D stereo photo by relaxed now. Creative Commons License.

4. Take a Lot of Pictures to Ensure Good Framing

3D images are made up of two or three photos. But the photographer will need to shot more than two or three shots. Because 3D photography is so detailed and specific, it’s best to shoot plenty of shots when the camera is in position.

The framing needs to be perfect so the photographer won’t want to come back and take another shot later. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Reframing the photo can be laborious and time-consuming. It’s better to get enough shots when everything is in position.

3D anaglyph photo by relaxed now. Creative Commons License.

Conclusion

3D photography is the art of adding three dimensions to two-dimensional images. Standard photos are flat and lack depth. 3D camera techniques introduce depth to the images and create magical images that appear real-to-life.

3D images have a long and storied history. It started with the Stereoscope in 1833. And now we have 3D imaging applications on our smartphones. With just a few clicks, it’s easy to turn digital images into 3D photos.

But it’s not just about apps and post-processing. You can have a go at 3D photography with your camera. Whether it’s a DLSR or a smartphone, try the techniques above to create your own 3D photos. It’s great fun, and you’ll have some impressive images for your portfolio.

Do you want to fuel your creativity and inspiration? Take our Wow Factor Photography video course to capture jaw-dropping images in the comfort of your own home.

3D pictures for the eyes

3D pictures for the eyes - what is their use?

Today, each of us spends a lot of time at the computer. And this affects our vision and general well-being. In order not to harm your health, you need to be distracted from the monitor every hour, giving rest to your eyes.

Viewing 3D pictures (stereo pictures) improves blood circulation, relieves tension in the eye muscles, improves the functioning of the accommodation apparatus when looking at encrypted three-dimensional images. Thus, the body will switch all reserves to control the eyes, and nerve cells will be able to experience an increased load, which will thereby improve the conductivity of nerve fibers.

How to view 3D pictures for the eyes?

Perhaps the most important thing is to relax and not try to force your eyes to strain. Consider two ways to learn to see three-dimensional images.

1. The stereoscopic effect is based on the possibilities of our vision. In a healthy person, both eyes focus on the subject, the brain compares the data received from each eye and, comparing with the angle of view, makes up a single picture. Thanks to this, we see the world as three-dimensional, and not flat. It is not difficult to learn how to look at stereograms. To begin with, get close to the image so that focusing is simply impossible. Then begin to slowly move away from the screen (or move the sheet away from you). Gradually, some elements of the picture will get closer, while others will move away, until you see a clear three-dimensional image. It is undesirable to "run" with your eyes and blink - the effect may disappear and you will have to start viewing from the beginning.
2. The second option to learn how to look at stereograms involves defocusing the gaze away from the picture. You need to place the screen or printout in front of you and look ahead, but not at the image, but as if through it. Then slowly and carefully zoom in and out of the picture until you see the changes taking place on it. One of the secrets of this skill is to make "eyes in a bunch", and then gradually clear the vision. Don't be discouraged if you can't see the "magic" image right away. You have unconsciously learned all your life to focus your vision on an object, it is not surprising that it is not so easy to unlearn it.

More pictures daily:

on Facebook pages - https://www.facebook.com/3d.kartinki/

and on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/3d.insta/

Click on the "Expand" button and enjoy viewing 30 great images to warm up your eyes! And at the very end of the article you will find a very unusual video that breaks the perception. Happy viewing!

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3d pictures for eyes

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