Photogrammetric Responses From The Shroud of Turin

The unique results produced by simple studies of the Shroud of Turin sets this particular artifact apart from all other known artifacts. When photographed, the Shroud image appears more clearly to the human eye in the photographic negative than in the photopositive. When image-processed by a VP-8 Image Analyzer, the Shroud image produces a three-dimensional response unlike any other image so processed. The content and composition of the Shroud image induces these unique results. Without alteration, modification, or fabrication of the common processes involved, the products of these studies are unlike any other known to exist. Photography and the Shroud of Turin In 1898, Secundo Pia made the first photographs of the Shroud of Turin. The process included emulsions on glass plates. The emulsions hardened where exposed to light energy. Secundo Pia focussed his lens on the Shroud of Turin, closed the lens, installed the glass plates, and opened the lens for a short period of time. The light, reflected from the Shroud, passed through the lens. Photons landed on the emulsions, and the lens was again closed. This is the common process of conventional photography. It is the same now, as then. However, the products resulting from Shroud photographs are unique. When Pia’s plates were developed, the photographic negatives made the subtle details on the Shroud much more vivid, and much easier to “interpret” by the human visual system. The actual image on the Shroud of Turin is very “faint” (low in contrast). It is difficult to orient oneself, relative to the image, if the observer is in close proximity to the cloth. Even if the observer is close to a full-scale positive color photographic image of the cloth, viewing details is difficult. However, photographic negative images of the Shroud are more easily interpreted. Details are easier to see. This does not mean that the Shroud of Turin is a photographic negative. However, the products (negatives) of the conventional photographic process, applied to the Shroud of Turin, are unique relative to the products of photographs of other known objects. This includes photographs of art objects, such as, drawings or paintings.