Infrared photography is a technique used in both the commercial and creative photography genres. Commercial applications of infrared photography include thermal imaging, forensic criminology, military applications and satellite infrared spectrometry.
Creative applications of infrared photography are achieved either through the use of specifically adapted camera sensors, 35mm infrared film or filters such as the Hoya Infrared R72 filter.
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The first infrared photography camera
Fuji developed the world’s first DSLR camera in the S3 PRO UVIR. This DSLR camera can take photographs in the infrared and ultraviolet light spectrums and is used in the forensic criminology, medical and fine art genres. Thermal imaging, forensic criminology, military applications and satellite infrared spectrometry are highly specialised fields of infrared photography. This article focuses predominantly on the fine art use of infrared photography.
Visible light versus infrared light
The human eye can see visible light in the 380 to 700nm (nanometre) spectrum. Infrared light falls within the 700 to 1200nm band so is invisible. This means that humans cannot see infrared light without the use of electronic and other instruments.
35mm film versus DSLR
35mm infrared film can be purchased for film cameras and it is the most effective way to photograph in the infrared spectrum. Standard exposure and shutter settings can be used when photographing with 35mm infrared film.
However, the most common creative method today for infrared photography is with the use of an infrared filter on a modern DSLR.
DSLR cameras
Infrared filters on DSLR’s have a marked disadvantage over 35mm film infrared photography due to the extended shutter speed required to produce an image. The long exposures will likely produce motion blur in the photo. This is caused by the infrared filter blocking the visible light spectrum (only allowing the infrared light through to the camera’s sensor), requiring much longer shutter speeds. However, the use of filters is the most inexpensive way to experiment with this genre in the creative sense.
Infrared photography cameras
Not all cameras can capture infrared light. A simple way to check a camera is to point a TV remote at the camera lens and press buttons on the remote. If you can see the infrared signal from the remote in the digital viewfinder of the camera it will likely be able to capture infrared light.
Capturing infrared light
Bright sunny days are best for capturing infrared scenes. Different surfaces will reflect differing amounts of infrared light which can result in very surreal photographs.
For example, the leaves of trees will usually reflect a lot of infrared light however the water of a lake may reflect little to no infrared light. This could result in an unusual photograph where the leaves of trees are white and the water dark or black.
Infrared filters
The R72 code in the Hoya R72 infrared filter indicates the filter blocks visible light up to 720nm. Using an infrared filter on a digital camera can make it quite difficult to focus the lens due to the almost complete blockage of visible light by the R72 filter.
The photographer may barely see any subject in the scene due to the large percentage of visible light having been filtered out by the filter. It will sometimes be easier to either manually focus the lens or to focus the lens before installing the filter.
ISO and white balance
Experiment with ISO and white balance to achieve the most desirable result. Lower ISO usually works best for bright outdoor scenes. However, the resultant longer shutter speed that may be required at the lower ISO may result in motion blur. Like all creative undertakings, testing and experimentation is part of the fun!
Post processing infrared photography
Post processing infrared photographs can be a great creative experience too. By exploring colour channels and monochromatic effects the resulting image can be created and stamped with your own creative expression, with results ranging from unusually coloured landscapes to surrealist art.
Infrared on social media
Infrared images can be awe-inspiring. So show everyone your work by keeping your website and and social media such as TikTok, Facebook and Instagram updated with your best infrared work.
Have fun with infrared photography!
There is a completely different spectrum of light that you can photograph in infrared light.