IWO JIMA FLAG-RAISING IN 3-D

For the first time, we can see one of the most iconic photographs from World War II as an authentic 3-D image.

After four days of staggering losses on the Japanese-held island of Iwo Jima, U.S. troops were in desperate need of a morale boost. It was Friday, Feb. 23, 1945.

Marine cinematographer Sgt. Bill Genaust and Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal stood side-by-side at the summit of Iwo Jima’s Mount Suribachi as five Marines and a Navy corpsman hoisted a wind-whipped American flag.

A single frame from Genaust’s film freezes the action at precisely the same split-second as Rosenthal’s Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph. By juxtaposing the two images, it is possible to produce an authentic three-dimensional depiction of the Iwo Jima flag-raising.

HOW TO VIEW THE 3-D IMAGE:

Stereoscopic photography allows the viewer to see a single image from two slightly different viewpoints, mimicking the natural separation of human eyes. When two nearly identical images are directed independently to a viewer’s eyes, the brain is tricked into seeing a single fused image that produces a sense of three-dimensional depth.

Many people are able to observe this sense of depth without the aid of 3-D glasses or viewers. To see the Iwo Jima flag-raising photo (above) as a stereoscopic image:

    1) Look at the paired photographs in a natural, relaxed manner from a comfortable
    distance – at arm’s length or slightly farther.

    2) Gradually cross your eyes until the pair of images doubles to four. They will
    appear to be somewhat out of focus. (If you have trouble, try holding your index
    finger halfway between your eyes and the photographs. Focus on your fingertip
    and you’ll notice that the photographs in the background have doubled.)

    3) Next, slowly uncross your eyes until the two pairs of images begin to overlap.
    Direct your attention to the center of the overlapping area, where you will fuse
    the left and right images. When your eyes are crossed just the right amount, you
    will appear to be looking at three blurry images.

    4) Keeping your eyes crossed, examine the blurry details in the fused center
    image, and relax. After a few moments your brain will allow you to focus on the
    details without uncrossing your eyes, and the image will pop into sharp focus.
    The stereoscopic depth of the fused photographs quickly should become
    apparent.

Some people find it easier to concentrate on the dots above the photographs. When the fused center dot comes into sharp focus, let your eyes drift down to the photographs without changing your focus. If you experience discomfort, discontinue and return to the task later; As you become more accustomed to the process, your eyes will relax and adjust to the 3-D effect.

To view the 3-D image using red-and-blue stereoscopic glasses, go HERE.

To view additional stereoscopic images from photographer Boris Starosta, go HERE.

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