3D Basics: To visually experience an object in 3D, that object must be seen through two side-by-side lenses. For example, we are able to experience our world in 3D because we have two  eyes. Each eye observes a given object from a slightly different perspective. The brain combines the eyes’ two observations into the single image that we “see.”  If we lose vision in one of our eyes we, theoretically, no longer see in 3D.

3D Photography: 3D effects in photography are achieved by using trickery to show each eye a slightly different perspective of the same photo. One form of trickery is the anaglyph–one of those retro-looking red and blue images (like this) that requires the use of red and blue lensed glasses. Another form of trickery is the stereoscope, a two-lensed viewer through which the user sees a slide (like this) with two pictures on it.

JitterPic uses the stereoscope model; in fact, the photo effect we create is called wiggle stereoscopy. Because the iPhone only has only one lens, you need to take the time to snap two separate pictures. The two pictures taken from slightly different points are then overlaid and shown flickering alternately. The wiggle basically tricks one eye into thinking that it’s two eyes observing the object from different perspectives. Interesting note: wiggle stereoscopy is the only way that folks who see out of only one eye can experience a 3D effect.

Taking Realistic 3D-Effect Pics: First, don’t forget to review the JitterPic instructions; you’ll find some good pointers there. Second, make sure you choose a good subject–that is, make sure you are taking a picture of something that is actually 3D, like a person!  Third, keep your subject still and the phone still–brace it against something if you can–and move the phone very slightly to the side between shots.  Lastly, think about the composition of your shots. I find that the best 3D JitterPics feature a subject in the near mid-ground with other objects in the foreground and the background. See the photo of me above: my head and shoulders are in the near mid-ground; my hands, in the foreground; the wall, in the background.

Like any other camera, JitterPic cannot instantly make you an expert photographer! You may need to practice a bit; I certainly did. It took me a few dozen tries before I was confident in my ability to create 3D shots consistently. If you have troubles creating the effect, please write to us with your questions. We’d be happy to offer our best answers and give more photo-taking advice!