Photographing for Stereoscopic 3D Lenticular Printing

StereoGhost Presents:
Photographing for Stereoscopic 3D Lenticular Printing

There are several ways to create the illusion of three dimensions using the lenticular process but one of the most effective has always been natural 3D photography. This tutorial describes a basic workflow for creating image sequences optimized for lenticular output. Use of Red/Cyan anaglyph 3D glasses is recommended in parts.

Step 1: The Single Camera Rail System

Our focus in this tutorial is photographing non-moving subject matter in a studio setting or controlled environment. It is possible to photograph moving subjects using a multi-camera array but it is easier and less expensive to use a single camera rail system when the subject mater is still. This method can produce extremely high quality 3D lenticular images.

Rail systems are commercially available or can be easily constructed. Most are manually operated. The length of the rail will determine your maximum stereo base (the distance between the far left and far right camera views) and should be related to the kinds of subjects and situations being photographed. A rail with a length of 12” will satisfy a majority of studio situations.

For this tutorial I am using a vintage Underwood wide carriage typewriter that has been modified and fit with a tripod mount. The camera is carried past the subject in 1/12” increments using a lever to trigger the space bar mechanism. With a traditional camera rail you would simply count off marks on a ruler in the increments you desire.

Comments

[Laral]

Although this is interesting, I can't help thinking that A. this is a fairly complicated way to do this, B. the final image would look much better if it reversed to the beginning, like you would do with a postcard. Jumping back is very distracting and annoying and unnatural. Easier methods come to mind: Move the entire scene along a simple guide rail with fixed camera. Use a lazy-susan type turntable. That would also preserve the toe-in.