Infrared Photography: Explained
In search of a new creative outlet, I came across infrared photography. It’s no secret that ambient lighting is often best when the sunlight is soft and low over the horizon. In some scenarios its well worth it for me to plan a shot for the right time of day, but I’m often out and about during the middle of the day when light is harsh and your standard visible light landscape photo appears dull and overpowered by harsh shadows. Infrared photography thrives in these conditions. The chlorophyll in the leaves of the trees reflect infrared light, creating a strong contrast from the dark skies it produces.
I use “full spectrum” converted cameras, meaning the internal UV/IR cut hot mirror filter is removed from atop the sensor in the camera’s body. From there, you can add different filters to the front of your lens to allow different wavelengths of light through to the sensor. All of my photos to this point are photographed with either an IR Chrome filter (created by Kolari Vision to mimic old Aerochrome film) and a 720nm Infrared filter also created by Kolari Vision. I’ve also done a considerable amount of photography with no filter at all, shooting RAW full spectrum to give me more opportunity for false color in post.
While I use full spectrum photography as a stylistic choice, it also has more practical uses in different fields. Scientists use full spectrum photography to measure forest health, chlorophyll levels in plants, and changes in environmental pollution over time, while forensics units may use the full spectrum of light on a crime scene to reveal fingerprints or bloodstains that may have been altered/invisible to the human eye.
720nm Post Processing Options
720nm straight out of camera RAW
Simple Black and White Conversion
Photoshop White Balance Set to Leaves
Photoshop Red/Blue Channel Swap
Obviously there are a lot of ways to process these images. Depending on the situation I may opt for a channel swap over the black and white, but some people seem to really enjoy the pinkish reds straight out of camera!