Stereoscopy is Good For You: Life in 3-D

Full of stereoscopic pictures on a wide range of subjects, well worth reading

I gave to book to my son for Christmas. Neither he nor I could make the picture work, and both of us got a headache trying !

Full disclosure - one of my stereo photos is in this book. Why, I do not know, as the rest of the photos from the contributors are spectacular!Anyway, on to the review, and a quick summary. Brian May (yes, THAT Brian May) is an enthusiast of the centuries old hobby of stereoscopic photography. His company, the London Stereoscopic Company (LSC) has already produced amazing books on the history of the subject. I particularly love the Queen one, and Diableries.Anyway, I digress. Dr. May put the call out over the last few years to see joyful 3D photographs, to share on the website - stereoviews that brought pleasure through these difficult times. This book is a compilation of his favourite contributions from stereo photographers around the world.These largely come from amateur enthusiasts like myself, who have nothing invested in it other than the joy of creating and sharing these images. This love of the subject shines through in these exquisite pictures. There are many that would be remarkable in flat two dimensional form. So when you view them in 3D with the supplied viewer (May’s OWL-lite) you are simply wowed by them.The pictures are divided into different categories such as nature, abstract, pets and more. Occasional pages are given over to the full size ‘flat’ picture, with the 3D version on the page facing, alongside other 3D works. Also, each 3D pic comes with some words from the contributor about why their chosen subject brings them joy, So just flipping through the book casually is rewarding.But then once you get down to viewing them all in 3D, this is where the magic happens. The extra dimension adds a whole new appreciation of each composition, and you come to appreciate the artistry around not just the subjects within the image, but also where they are placed within a 3D space,These 3D images vary wildly - flowers, microscope views, speed skaters, landscapes, dogs on bridges running towards you - the subject matter seems endless. But what each definitely brings is character, fun, heart, and a joy for the art of stereoscopy.My only mild bit of feedback is I much prefer the standard OWL viewer, rather than the OWL-lite that comes with the book. However, the standard one can be purchased separately for about £15.Anyway, in summary, this is a truly remarkable book, made up of inspirational 3D images from enthusiasts around the world, which I am very proud to be a small part of.

Many of family have looked at the book through supplied glasses, all but one of eight thought it to be a miss representation of description.A waste of money in our minds.

It was not as exciting as it sounded!

I have bought this as a surprise for my brother who is keen on art wild life and works as a photographer. The book is sealed so I have not opened it but I am sure he will be delighted. It arrived very quickly, quicker than expected.

Brilliant photos, interesting to view.