50. How to do infrared photography

How to Take Infrared Photography: A Beginner's Guide

Infrared photography is a fascinating form of photography that offers surreal and stunning images. This guide will help you understand what infrared photography is and how you can start trying it.

What is Infrared Photography?

Infrared photography is a special photography technique that uses infrared light to create images. Infrared light is a form of light that is not visible to the human eye. However, the camera can detect this light and use it to create an image.

Necessary Equipment

To get started with infrared photography, you will need an infrared filter and a camera that is capable of capturing infrared light. Many DSLR and mirrorless cameras are capable of this, but some may require modification to remove a filter that blocks infrared light. Also, a tripod is highly recommended, as infrared photography often requires longer exposure times.

How to Make Infrared Photography

Here are the basic steps to do infrared photography:

1. Set up your camera: First, mount the IR filter on your lens. Then set your camera to a longer exposure time, as infrared light is less intense than visible light.
2. Focus your image: Since infrared light has a different wavelength than visible light, the focus may be slightly different. You may need to manually focus your image.
3. Do the exposure: Now, you can do the exposure. Keep in mind that infrared photography may require a longer exposure time, so a tripod can be helpful.
4. Image Processing: Finally, you will need to process your image in photo editing software. The initial image can look a little odd, with inverted colors and an overall "snowy" look. However, with processing, you can transform the image into something truly unique and beautiful.

Conclusion

Infrared photography is an interesting technique that can add a new dimension to your photographic work. While it can be a little challenging at first, with practice and patience you can create amazing images that are truly one of a kind.