FAQs

What is the difference between a stereograph and a monograph?

A stereograph is an image that is captured with 2 lenses with the intention of creating a 3D image. A monograph is a photograph taken with a single lens with the intention of creating a 2D image.

Wait, why not shoot both stereograph and monograph at the same time?

We do! We always shoot digital and film to deliver pin-sharp monographs and romantic, dreamy stereographs.

What is the turnaround time on a stereo shoot?

Because every step of creating your images is done by hand, final deliveries can take up to 12 weeks. This involves processing the film into a digital format and mounting the images. After correcting for registration variance, we build out the 3.5” x 7” prints. Finally, we create a beautiful book, wall-hanging or photocards for your enjoyment.

The format is amazing but your prices are outside of what I can afford right now.
Can you help me?

Stereo film photography is captivating, unique, and memorable. While our high quality, hand done, process limits our ability to adjust prices, contact us, we may be able to find a way to work together.

You can learn about stereography and its unique features at the end of this page. If you have an interest in learning more about stereography, we run regular workshops around LA and would be happy to invite you to a session. If you have any questions about stereography, please contact us.

Understanding 3D Imaging

What Wheatstone’s viewer did differently than all previous attempts at simulating 3D was feed a separate image into each eye which the brain then processed as a single image with depth. The design was soon simplified by Oliver Wendell Holmes with the invention of the Holmes-type viewer. This viewer was incredibly popular and its design has remained largely unchanged, straight through to View-Masters and modern day VR headsets.

Wheatstone Viewer

Our stereo images are captured with the Holmes-type viewer in mind and are created with dual-lens cameras, that is cameras with two lenses roughly eyes-width apart. We shoot primarily on the Stereo Realist and the Sputnik, which are 35mm and medium format cameras respectively.

By using a dual-lens system, we capture all of the information needed for stunning 3D images on the original negatives. There are no tricks in post production; we do no editing or AI to enhance or exaggerate the stereo effect.

Attempts at showing perspective in 2D art can be seen as early as ancient cave paintings. While techniques for simulating depth grew to be incredibly sophisticated, there was one missing ingredient. It wasn’t until the invention of the Stereoscope in 1838 by Charles Wheatstone that we start to see 3D imaging as we understand it today.