Introduction to infrared photography

Infrared photography opens up a fascinating world beyond what the human eye can perceive. It allows us to explore the light spectrum that lies just outside the red end of visible light and to depict landscapes, portraits and architectural details in a completely new and often surreal way. What at first glance appears to be an ordinary subject can undergo dramatic changes in the infrared range, allowing for a unique form of artistic expression. Even though working in the infrared spectrum is a niche technique within the photography world, it certainly offers exciting and completely unique possibilities for individual expression.

Photographic capture of infrared radiation

Infrared radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation with longer wavelengths than those of normal light visible to the human eye. In order to capture it photographically, you need either special films or special filters that can be screwed in front of the camera lens. Although the infrared spectrum is very broad, infrared photography is usually limited to the so-called near infrared, i.e. the range closest to the red light visible to us.

The fact that the colors appear so different in infrared images is due to the fact that different materials reflect or absorb infrared radiation in a completely different way than the light frequencies visible to the human eye. For example, the green plant substance chlorophyll reflects infrared radiation so strongly that leaves on trees or grass often appear completely white in infrared photos. The sky, on the other hand, which usually appears blue to us in visible light, can often be deep black in infrared, as the scattering of infrared radiation in the atmosphere is lower. Water usually absorbs infrared radiation strongly and so a lake or river can appear very dark or completely black in the photo.

Necessary equipment and first steps

Depending on the equipment you want to use for infrared photography, it requires different camera settings and different levels of prior knowledge and photographic experience. First of all, of course, you need a good camera and this is where the agony of choice begins, because not every digital camera is equally suitable for infrared photography. Some cameras have internal infrared blocking filters in front of the sensor, which greatly reduce infrared sensitivity and are therefore largely unsuitable. Instead, many models of older digital cameras or specially modified cameras without infrared blocking filters are ideal. Some mirrorless cameras also perform well in the infrared range.

In order to be able to take pictures in the infrared spectrum, you have to screw an infrared filter in front of such a camera, which forms the heart of infrared photography, so to speak. Such filters are available for different wavelengths such as 720nm, 850nm or 950nm. A 720nm filter lets some of the visible red light through, while filters with higher wavelengths such as 850nm or 950nm block almost all visible light. This results in pure infrared images, often in black and white, with a very high-contrast and almost otherworldly look.
You should also get a sturdy tripod for infrared photography, as infrared photography often requires longer exposure times. This is due to the fact that the infrared filter blocks a lot of light and makes blur-free photos almost impossible without a tripod. In order to get the picture as sharp as possible, you should also purchase a remote shutter release or self-timer that prevents camera shake when the shutter is released.

Anyone who works with long exposure times knows that the equipment must be stable and safely stowed away. A functional shoulder bag reliably protects the camera and filters, provides quick access to accessories and remains comfortable to carry even if you move around a lot.

Once you have all the necessary equipment, the first steps in infrared photography consist of screwing the infrared filter in front of the lens and attaching the camera to the tripod. As the viewfinder can appear very dark or even black when using a strong infrared filter, it is often necessary to work in the camera's "Live View" mode, if available. Focusing can also be a challenge, as infrared light can have a different focal point than visible light. Some lenses have a separate infrared focus mark. Otherwise, it is better to focus manually and possibly take test shots to check the sharpness.

Special techniques in infrared photography

If you want to go beyond this basic technique of infrared photography, you can use a variety of special techniques to combine further effects with those of shooting in the pure infrared spectrum. For example, it is popular to combine the use of the infrared filter with other filters, which can create interesting effects ranging from subtle to dramatic. A polarizing filter, for example, can help to reduce reflections and increase contrast in certain situations.

To further enhance the surreal effect of infrared images, working with false colors is very popular. Although many infrared images are taken in black and white, it is possible to create fascinating false color images using the same technique. This usually requires a camera that has been modified for the full spectrum range, i.e. whose internal infrared cut filter has been removed. In combination with various filters that allow both visible and infrared light to pass through and subsequent processing in image editing software, colors can be created that cannot be found in the real world.

It is not only for this special technique that post-processing plays an important role in infrared photography. Black and white conversions, contrast adjustments, highlighting details and experimenting with color channels are common processing steps. Before-and-after pictures taken by enthusiastic infrared photographers show how much influence these subsequent adjustments have on the image effect.

If you have several filters, spare batteries or memory cards with you, you need a solution that creates order. An elegant organizer keeps small parts safe and makes changing in the field efficient - a detail that makes all the difference in complex setups.

Artistic possibilities and challenges

Infrared photography offers an immense range of artistic expression. It allows photographers to look at the world from a new perspective and create images that can be both fascinating and disturbing. The surreal appearance of landscapes, the unusual representation of colors and the dramatic contrasts can open up a completely new perspective on familiar motifs for the viewer.

However, infrared photography also presents some challenges. As already mentioned, focusing can be tricky. The camera's exposure metering can be affected by the infrared filter, meaning that manual adjustment of aperture and exposure time is often necessary. In addition, post-processing requires a certain amount of knowledge and experimentation in order to exploit the full potential of infrared images.

Conclusion

Strange and fascinating, infrared photography can intimidate many photographers at first. Admittedly, it is only a very small part of the world of photography. But for those who appreciate the otherworldly and would like to stimulate the viewer's imagination rather than depict the world as we see it every day, infrared photography is probably the right genre for you. You don't have to permanently modify your own camera to familiarize yourself with it; a simple filter and a little equipment are enough. However, a lot of photographic skill and creativity are required!

A classic reportage bag made of full-grain leather is worthwhile to ensure that the joy of experimentation and creativity are not curbed when you are on the move. It not only protects your equipment, but also accompanies you stylishly and reliably on every photographic adventure.