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The Journal of
the New Zealand Native Orchid Group has published a number of spectacular 3D images taken
by one member, Eric Scanlen. You are invited to view these, and perhaps you may like to know more about the NZ
native orchids through the NZ Native Orchid Group.
3D or stereoscopic images utilise 2 slightly different images which, when combined, produce a three dimensional
view. In the past special stereo viewers were required, but now a technique called 'freeviewing' enables the three dimensional images to be viewed with only a little practice.
The NZNOG notes "when the left and right eyes focus on the left and right pictures, now 3D picture springs
out. A viewer with two magnifying glasses makes it easy, but with a little practice free viewing becomes second
nature"
Recently the excellent American publication The Orchid Digest
has also published similar pictures. Their use of 2 white dots to assist focussing the
eyes makes the process easier. Adapting their instruction to view on a computer monitor -
"Freeviewing' " is a technique for seeing a 3-D image from a pair of pictures without
the aid of special glasses of other apparatus. View the pair of pictures about one foot (300 mm) in front of your
eyes, with the image parallel to your face. You may find that it is easier to go closer or fuirther away from the
image. Experiment. You may find some images need to be seen at a different distance than others for comfort. Try
to avoid reflections etc. on the monitor. Relax your eyes until the two images overlap and merge into the one,
a third image, in the center. You should now see three images, the original two on the outside and a new one between
them. Without straining, let the image in the centre come into focus. You should now be seeing that image in three
dimensions. With practice this becomes very easy to do, but take your time. Give your
eyes time to adjust their focus as this is often not achieved immadiately.
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Example of 3-D image with viewing dots
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An alternative technique is to look at the two white dots above the two images. Relax your eyes
until the two dots in the centre merge. Now, keeping your eyes in the same orientation, lower your gaze to where
the two photo images have merged to form a third picture between the displayed images. Look at this third central
image and allow it to come into focus. You should now be seeing a 3-D image. I have found this technique utilizing
the dots excellent to start. After some practice you do not need to use them, as you can usually focus on the images
direct, but it is an excellent way to learn the techneque.
The pages have been designed with a screen resolution of 1024 x 760. Use of this resolution is
recommended.
I have recently added a number of my images to this series, using the two dot viewing method.
Practice, and I am sure you will really enjoy the images once you master the techneque.
You may need to move closer to or further away from the screen for comfortable viewing - each person is different
and computers vary in their settings.
Enjoy the images, they give an entirely differnent appreaication of the subjects !!
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Site established 9th May 1998
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20/7/04
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