Infrared Photography (Sample Shoot)

My first take on infrared (IR) photography was a disaster and so I took a handful of sample shots again this morning using the same subject. To start with, you must need an IR filter for this particular shoot. You must take note, however, that IR filters may not work well with other cameras especially modern digital SLRs. Higher megapixels make your camera less sensitive to IR light. I suggest you check first whether your camera is up for this adventure. You could find some articles about this online.

Let's get started!

• Set your camera to its lowest ISO setting;
• Mount your camera on a tripod, very important tool you must use in IR photography since you will be using slow shutter speeds here;
• Attach the IR filter on your lens. I know, you cannot see a thing but do not fret. Remove the filter and compose your subject. Try adjusting your aperture to reduce depth of field;
• Now, try taking a photo and then check it to see what needs to be adjusted. 
• You could try different shutter speeds to determine if your shot is under or overexposed;
• If you are not satisfied with the results, it's alright. It will really take you and I some time to fully understand the idea of composing and capturing with IR photography. Take your time and keep on shooting.

Here are some sample shots. Very basic and obviously needs improvement. :)

 ISO 200      38 mm      f/5.0     6.0 sec

 Edited version. Colors modified.

Sample Photos

Just recently got the filters I ordered. This is the first step to completing my new project. Check allaboutfilters.wordpress.com for details. 

Photos were taken using a combination of circular close-up +10 and polarizing filters. One thing I discovered during this shoot was that photo tweaking is useless when you know how to use photographic filters. Practice is a must. It is vital that most digital photographers must not purely rely on Photoshop. Life has been easier with the birth of technology but this is not a reason for us to be dependent on what it could do to make things bearable. It is a challenge but a fun one. That is for sure. This practice shoot is something you could start doing at home. If you want to add new photos in your portfolio, set a date and choose a good location. A good location will definitely make your photos stand out.

Taken with a close-up + 10 filter.

(Enhanced depth of field. Manual focusing used for these photos.)

Taken with a close-up + 10 filter and a polarizing filter. (RAW file)

Near Infrared (NIR)

I am in a very inexplicable state now. Yesterday, I felt like I was close enough to having a nervous breakdown and today I am starting to feel the same but in a very good way. So how did this happen? 


INFRARED PHOTOGRAPHY. Photography in which an infrared optical system projects an image directly on infrared film, to provide a record of point-to-point variations in temperature of a scene. (www.answers.com)

To get a glimpse of my concept of heaven, go here.

Hoping to buy an infrared filter the soonest. Can't wait to do insanely beautiful stuff with infrared photography.