System, method and software for converting images captured by a light field camera into three-dimensional images that appear to extend vertically above or in front of a display medium

A method of producing imagery to be viewed on a display medium, wherein said imagery has enhanced 3D effects that appear to extend out of said display medium when viewed, said method comprising the steps of:

• imaging a scene with a light field camera, wherein said scene contains a subject at an initial orientation that has a perceived height when viewed on said display medium, and wherein said light field camera produces light field image data;
• selecting a reference plane within said scene imaged by said light field camera;
• and
• altering said light field image data in said scene to add enhanced 3D effects by digitally bending at least part of said subject above a first bend point, wherein said first bend point is at a first elevation above said reference plane that is between ⅓ and ⅔ of said perceived height, therein creating enhanced image data, wherein said enhanced 3D effects cause said subject to appear, at least in part, to extend out of said display medium when viewed.