Viewing

Many of the images on Stereographer.com are stereographs. They are low resolution reproductions because computer monitors are typically capable of displaying fewer than 100 dots per inch. We encourage you to purchase originals from the artists (we do not sell images on this site).

There are two ways to view the images on this site: with the help of lorgnettes and free-viewing. Begin by setting your monitor to display the image below so it is 6-7" wide.

Lorgnettes are small plastic glasses that help your brain resolve the two images into one and enlarges them slightly. Reel 3-D Enterprises sells inexpensive lorgnettes at http://stereoscopy.com/reel3d/print-viewers.html

Free-viewing is a technique that takes a little practice because it involves crossing your eyes slightly. Here's how. Look at the image immediately below. Level your head and place your finger in the middle of the image along the bottom edge. Stare at your finger and move it slowly towards your nose. Notice how the bird enters the cage? Memorize the feeling in your eye muscles. When you can sustain the effect after lowering your hand, you are ready to try it with the image pairs below the birdcage. When looking at a stereo pair cross-eyed you will see three images, not two. Concentrate on the middle one and you will see the third dimension. If you experience eyestrain or headaches, take a break.

Above is a novelty lithograph by an artist named Kroll. Below are photographs of Canada published by Underwood & Underwood. The top is dated 1900 and titled "Valley of the Bow, from the Hotel Observatory, Banff, Alberta, Canada." Below that is "Fishing in the Twilight, Canada." Photograph 1894 by Strohmeyer & Wyman.