Revealing the Unseen: The Magic of Infrared Photography

infrared landscape

Infrared photography is a captivating form of capturing images that can reveal a hidden world that is invisible to the human eye. Infrared was initially developed for scientific and military purposes. However, this unique photographic technique has evolved into a creative medium that photographers and artists worldwide are embracing.

By using light beyond the visible spectrum, photographers can create surreal and dreamlike images, which offer a new perspective on the world. This post will explore the fascinating world of infrared photography, including its history, techniques, equipment, and the breathtaking results it can produce.

infrared photography - landscapes
History of Infrared Photography

Infrared photography has its origins in the early 20th century when scientists discovered the existence of infrared light beyond the visible spectrum. An English physicist named Robert W. Wood (1868-1955) conducted experiments with infrared-sensitive photographic plates in 1910, which furthered research in this area. In the same year, he captured the first infrared and ultraviolet photographs, which were of subjects around his summer home in East Hampton, N.Y., as well as the Moon. During World War II, infrared film proved to be useful for aerial surveillance, enabling the military to detect camouflage and hidden enemy targets.

Photographers started using infrared film in the 1930s. Infrared film allowed them to capture stunning landscapes and portraits with an ethereal feel. With digital photography, infrared imaging is now more accessible, allowing photographers to explore this unique artistic expression. Two decades later, recording artists like Jimi Hendrix and the Grateful Dead further popularised the technique. They released album covers with infrared images that were popular due to their multicolored look.

infrared photography - landscapes
Understanding Infrared Light

Infrared photography captures light beyond the visible spectrum, usually in the near-infrared (NIR) or shortwave infrared (SWIR) ranges. Unlike traditional photographic films, which are not sensitive to infrared light, specialised equipment or modifications are required to achieve the desired results. Dedicated infrared cameras or modified DSLRs equipped with infrared-passing filters can capture infrared imagery in digital photography.

Converting a Camera for Infrared Photography

There are two popular methods to capture infrared images. One way is to modify a digital camera by removing the infrared-blocking filter and replacing it with a filter that blocks visible light. This modification makes the camera sensitive to infrared light. Another way is to attach an infrared filter to the lens of a standard digital camera. This filter allows only infrared light to pass through, enabling the camera to capture infrared images.

infrared photography - landscapes
Finding the Right Subjects
Landscapes

Infrared photography can turn ordinary landscapes into scenes from a fantasy world, with vegetation appearing in striking shades of white and pink and skies taking on a deep, dramatic hue.

Plants and trees reflect infrared light, which makes them appear bright and luminous. This contrasts sharply with darker elements such as water, rocks or skies. Infrared photography can also enhance the appearance of clouds, making them appear more dramatic and fluffy against a deep black sky. Since water absorbs infrared light, it seems darker in photographs. This allows for exciting contrasts between water and the surrounding scenery.

infrared photography - architecture
Architecture

Old buildings, such as those made of stone and brick, have unique textures and appearances when captured in infrared. Similarly, modern buildings with sleek designs and large glass panels create a fascinating futuristic look in infrared photography. You can also experiment with contrasts by capturing older and newer structures or juxtaposing natural elements, such as trees and skies, with architectural subjects.

Portraits

Unique Skin Textures: When captured using infrared light, imperfections on the skin become highlighted, and the skin appears smoother, resulting in surreal and ethereal portraits. 

portraits

Dramatic Eyes: Infrared photography often captures the irises of the eyes as much lighter or almost white, resulting in intense and captivating portraits. 

Black and White: Infrared portraits translate exceptionally well in black and white, which enhances their timeless and dramatic quality.”

Other Compelling Subjects

Cemeteries offer a unique opportunity to capture evocative and haunting imagery with the weathered textures of tombstones and the starkness of the IR aesthetic. Similarly, automotive photography can be transformed by using Infrared techniques, resulting in a fascinating, vintage appearance. Additionally, ruins and abandoned buildings become even more captivating and moody when photographed with an IR look. IR enhances the eeriness of decay and desolation.

infrared photography - cemetary
Ideal Shooting Conditions

Traditional photography steers clear of harsh shadows or sunny days. Infrared photography runs toward it. Not only does more light give the photographer more infrared for imaging, but it also makes shutter speeds more manageable and raises the intensity of the refracted IR light within the scene. This can deliver stunning effects. Sunlight and clear skies are optimal for infrared photography, as infrared light is abundant under these conditions.

  • Midday sun can create intense contrasts and dynamic images, while overcast skies produce softer, more subdued results.
infrared photography -architecture
Post-Processing Techniques
  • Post-processing is essential to infrared photography, as raw infrared images may appear reddish or magenta.
  • Adjusting white balance, swapping colour channels, and fine-tuning contrast can reveal infrared photographs’ surreal, otherworldly appearance.
architecture
Equipment for Infrared Photography

Infrared Filters

  • Infrared filters are essential for photographers who opt not to convert their cameras. The filters block visible light and allow only infrared light to pass through.

Converted Infrared Cameras

  • For photographers dedicated to infrared imaging, converting a digital camera to be sensitive to infrared light is a popular choice.
  • Converted cameras are permanently modified to capture infrared light without external filters, providing convenience and flexibility in shooting.
cemetary

Infrared photography is a fascinating technique that reveals a hidden and surreal perspective of the world around us. By using specialised equipment and techniques, photographers can create beautiful and extraordinary images that capture the unique qualities of infrared light. Whether taking photos of breathtaking landscapes, striking portraits, or architectural wonders, infrared photography inspires and captivates photographers and viewers.

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