Pixiq

The image in the gallery is meant to be seen using a cross-view method. Here is my post about cross-view stereo.

Like any type of photography, there are subjects that work for cross-view 3D and subjects that do not. Much of the photography relies on seeing the subject in the proper situation with the best light possible and finding the right composition. Even though we see in stereo, choosing good subjects for stereo imaging takes some thought and a different approach than choosing subjects for other types of photography. Stereo photography is all about depth.

You should ask yourself if the subject is going to yield a strong 3 dimensional image. A picture of a wall shot straight on might seem as if the details are floating in front of you when you look at the final image, however that alone does not provide much in the way of  3 dimensional form.

I believe that the best stereo images are those that play with the structure of the subject. Think of your subject as a piece of sculpture. What you want to do is produce an image that takes advantage of the subjects form and shape. If possible, walk around the subject looking for interesting shapes and depth cues. Look for opportunities that you might not see from a single angle of view. Look at the details and shoot the subject from an angle that produces a dramatic effect that optimizes the 3 dimensional characteristics of the subject. For instance, if your subject is a statue. Look for details that are specific to the statue. It might be that the figure is holding a drawn bow. If so, it might be interesting to photograph the subject from the vantage point of looking down the shaft of an arrow so that the arrow will look as if it is pointed directly at the viewer. This will maximize the stereo effect and should produce a great looking stereo image.

There are a number of cues that the brain uses to decipher a stereo image. Besides the slight difference in perspective, depth of field and other factors can enhance the experience of 3D. Using the example of the arrow, a shallow depth of field with the focus at the arrowhead would place the emphasis on that feature. Contrast can also play a similar role. I find that stereo effects are stronger when a more saturated color as well as a higher than normal degree of sharpness are applied.

Remember, you are photographing something that is dimensional and everything in the view will also be dimensional. Paying attention to the details especially in the background as well as the foreground is very important. Anything out of place will be emphasized by the stereo effect.

I would say that any three dimensional subject has potential to make a good stereo image. Along with all the compositional components that make a great image, you just need to take advantage of its 3 dimensionality and compose accordingly.