Infrared photographs are known for their eerie, other-worldly characteristics: deep black skies, pure white foliage and grasses, and dense, dark waters. Until recently, creating these unique photos was difficult at best, requiring special infrared film and much time in the darkroom. Now, similar results can be achieved easily with a digital camera.
What Is Infrared Photography?
Infrared photography is the art of capturing light that is invisible to the naked eye. The human eye can see wavelengths of light from approximately 380 nanometers (violet) through 750 nanometers (red), and all colors of the rainbow in between. Beyond the red end of the spectrum, from 750nm to about 1000nm, are wavelengths longer than those of visible light - infrared radiation.
Step One: The Digital Camera
Most digital cameras are sensitive to both visible and infrared light to some degree. There is a simple test to see if a digital camera is capable of capturing infrared light. Point a TV remote control at the camera lens and, while pushing a button on the remote, take a picture with the camera or view the camera’s LCD screen. If there is a visible point of light in the picture or on the screen, the camera is capable of shooting infrared.
Next, check to see if the camera has a threaded lens filter mount or an available filter mount adapter. While it is possible to hold a filter in front of the lens, it is much easier to use a mounted filter when shooting.
Step Two: The Infrared Filter
To achieve an infrared effect, visible light must be blocked from reaching the camera’s sensor, leaving only infrared light. This is done using a filter. The simplest filter to use is a glass filter that screws onto the front of the camera’s lens. There are also gelatin filters that can be held or taped in front of the lens, but these are harder to find than glass filters.
There are many infrared filters available, but the most popular and versatile for digital infrared photography are:
- Hoya R72 Infrared
- Tiffen or Lee #87
Unfortunately, there is no consistent numbering convention across brands, so look for filters that pass light above 720nm. Match the filter thread size to the thread size of your lens (measured in millimeters, mm).
Step Three: The Tripod
Infrared filters block most or all visible light from reaching the camera. Therefore, longer shutter speeds are required to allow enough light to reach the camera for proper exposure. On a sunny day, a typical exposure with a Hoya R72 filter can be 1 second or longer. A tripod is essential to prevent camera shake.
Shooting Infrared
Longer exposures can result in blurred motion. Take advantage of this creative effect when shooting movement, such as people walking or leaves blowing in the wind.
Some materials reflect infrared light better than others. To maximize the infrared effect in a photo, look for subjects with high infrared reflectivity, such as foliage, sand, and tree bark.
Concrete reflects about the same with visible or invisible light, but buildings can look striking in infrared when set against a dramatic sky. Bright, sunny conditions are ideal, especially if there are a few puffy white clouds in the sky.
Infrared portraits can be striking as well, particularly when the subject is placed in an environment with good infrared reflectance, such as in the grass or near a tree. Skin takes on a white, almost glowing tone, and skin textures become smooth.
If the camera has a black and white shooting mode, use it to prevent post-production work later. Otherwise, digital photos will need to be desaturated in a software tool like Adobe Photoshop to remove the red or purple hues recorded by the camera.
With three simple tools - a digital camera, an infrared filter, and a tripod - photographers of all skill levels can explore and get creative with invisible light.
Source:
- Complete Guide to Digital Infrared Photography by Joe Farace, ISBN #1-57990-772-5
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