Infrared?

"Well, dang, that looks like snow!" Infrared (IR) photography is photography using a different spectrum of light. As a result it provides some interesting results in the images it produces. Most notably is plant life, such as grass or leaves, which reflects infrared light giving images the perception that it's covered with snow. There are two different parts of infrared light, near-infrared and far-infrared. Far-infrared is what is used for thermal imaging purposes like night vision goggles typically used for law enforcement or military purposes. Near-infrared is what is used to capture what most consider "Infrared" images. So, yes, you could take pictures in the dark with near-infrared sensitive equipment (you just need to compensate for the lack of visible light with longer exposure times and by using a tripod to steady your camera). Special equipment or modifications to cameras is required in order to be able to capture near-infrared images.

Film

These images are possible with the use of special infrared sensitive film and filters to block visible light. The filters are nearly opaque, which requires the image to be composed without the filter. When ready to shoot, apply the filter. Because they are nearly opaque, the exposure times can be extremely long, even in bright sunlight. As a result, the use of a tripod is recommended to prevent blurring of the images. It is also recommended that the film be handled in total darkness while loading it into the camera and during processing.

Digital

There are two methods to capture IR images with digital cameras. Method 1 applies the same filter and process used for film cameras (compose the shot, add the filter, take the shot). A tripod is recommended and not every digital camera is IR sensitive. Method 2 requires internal modification to the camera. The modification process replaces the factory filter, that blocks IR light, with one that will allow IR light to pass through to the digital sensor that captures the images. The benefit to method 2 is that even though a filter is still required, it has been moved to not interfere with the composition of the shot (it's still there, just not on the lens). With method 2 you can compose and capture your images just as you would for a normal color image. Method 2 also results in much shorter exposure times, because you are able to take advantage of available visible light, and does not require the use of a tripod.

My Process

I had my Nikon D50 modified (method 2 above) allowing me to take pictures like I would with any other camera. After taking pictures I dump them into my computer to process. As you can see in example 1 the image comes out of the camera looking red. I remove the color, adjust the brightness/contrast and remove any dust or scratches that might have sneaked into the image (happens to the best of us). Once I'm happy with the results (example 2) I save, print and upload to the website. Example 3 is what the image looks like in color (taken with my Leica since the Nikon D50 only takes IR images).

Want to know more?

I am in no way an expert on this subject, I'm just a guy who likes to take IR pictures. I tried to explain everything as best I could in easy-to-understand terms. If you're looking for more technical info, clarification or want to see what other people are doing with or have to say about IR, follow the links below.

Infrared Info:

Jerry Kneupper runs a blog specific to IR photography and has some great information about the processes and equipment. He also features different IR photographers on a fairly regular basis. He's got a pretty comprehensive list of links for most everything IR.

Thanks Jerry and keep up the great work!

IRBuzz

The League of Creative Infrared Photographers was established in 2008 to "promote the joy, excitement and creativity of infrared photography..." They have some great How-To's and galleries for a number of IR photographers.

League of Creative Infrared Photographers

Camera Modification:

The guys at Lifepixel modded my camera for IR.

You can have them mod the camera or you can purchase the kit and do it yourself. Given the highly technical nature of the modification I was more than happy to have them do it for me. They do however provide very detailed instructions for those of you who are technically savvy enough to attempt. And by the way this mod does void any warranty you may have on your camera.

Questions?

Is there something I missed that you'd like to know more about? Having difficulty finding a resource about IR stuff? Curious to know more about my processes? Click on the "Contact Us" button under the logo at the top of the page and send me an email. I'd be more than happy to try and assist. -Chris V.