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How-to's

Digital Infrared Photography – A Brief Introduction

Dan Wiedbrauk (domer2760)


Keywords: infrared, filter, digital, camera, conversion, photography, lenses, nikkor, nikon, wratten, hoya, heliopan, lifepixel

Infrared or ‘IR’ photography is a small but growing photographic niche that allows photographers of all abilities and budgets to expand their skills, augment their artistic vision, and create unexpected and exciting images that cannot be captured in other ways.  For the landscape photographer, IR photographs capture surreal images hallmarked by white foliage and dark skies – images that are at once familiar and unfamiliar.  With a few manipulations, the sky can be blue and the foliage can be golden, lavender, or red.  Black and white IR landscapes are striking even when the trees are bare. 

Backyard
Nikon D90 IR-converted (850nm Deep Infrared conversion)
20mm f/2.8 AF-D Nikkor, f/5.6, 1/200 sec, +1 EV, ISO 200
Click for a larger image.

 

Architectural photographers are employing IR methods because the black and white images are contrasty and they often resemble high quality architectural drawings.  Because IR light is reflected differently than full spectrum light, IR photos often reveal architectural details that are masked in visible light photography.

Cemetery
Nikon D90 IR-converted (590nm SuperColor)
20mm f/2.8 AF-D Nikkor, f/10, 1/400, +1 EV, ISO 200.
Click for a larger image.

 

A growing number of wedding photographers are offering their clients dreamy high key and IR fantasy photos as a value-added service.  Fine art photographers use infrared photography to produce unique low key studies of shape and light.  Portrait photographers use IR to create flattering high-key images and some creepy images featuring dark eyes and porcelain skin.  Even macro photographers are employing IR methods to capture eye-catching images of flowers, technology, and insects. 

The reason for the growing appeal of IR photography is the widespread availability of IR-capable digital cameras. IR film was touchy, relatively expensive, and often difficult to use. The IR learning curve was steep in the film era because it could take days to realize you messed up the shot.  With digital cameras, the “shoot, evaluate, adjust” cycle can be performed immediately after the image is captured.  Immediate feedback allows photographers to acquire knowledge and experience more quickly than they ever could when shooting IR film.  In addition, it’s cheaper to climb the learning curve with digital photography because there is no film to purchase and develop.

image_01

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9 comments

Dr. Patrick Buick (profpb) on November 8, 2015

My D70 is a great body. After the D7000, then D800e and D750, it was not being used and had little resale value. The Hoya filter was sold to offset the conversion cost. My kit lens (AF-S Nikkor 18-70mm G ED) is automatically calibrated to this camera and did not have to be send in to LifePixel for modification. I selected the Super Color Filter because I can always convert to B&W in Photoshop as well as choosing any further color modifications in the post-processing software. I always shoot RAW to choose the best WB after the shot. With my D70-IR body and the dedicated lens, focus and composition is not an concern, and the tripod and remote are optional -- not absolutely required. Do I sound satisfied?

Gary Robertson (Gary Robertson) on October 31, 2015

What company do you recommend to convert the camera?

Dan Wiedbrauk (domer2760) on October 23, 2015

Fellow Ribbon awarded for his frequent assistance to other members by sharing his perspective, skills and expertise, especially with infrared and macro photography. Donor Ribbon awarded for his generous support to the Fundraising Campaign 2014 Awarded for his expertise in IR & Macro photography Donor Ribbon awarded for his generous support to the Fundraising Campaign 2015

LiveView may not work when using screw-on IR filters. It works great for IR-converted cameras.

Dan Wiedbrauk (domer2760) on October 23, 2015

Fellow Ribbon awarded for his frequent assistance to other members by sharing his perspective, skills and expertise, especially with infrared and macro photography. Donor Ribbon awarded for his generous support to the Fundraising Campaign 2014 Awarded for his expertise in IR & Macro photography Donor Ribbon awarded for his generous support to the Fundraising Campaign 2015

Yes, there can be focusing issues. However any reputable conversion company will be able to correct for the differences in refraction, at least at focal distances near the calibration point. To your point, yes, LiveView is able to focus even when using uncorrected cameras and lenses. This is because the LiveView autofocus engine uses a contrast detection AF system that interrogates the image on the sensor rather than basing the focus point on the information from the (visible light) phase detection AF sensor. This can be a lifesaver. LiveView allows you to autofocus or manually focus the lens. The downside to LiveView focusing is that the focusing is much slower than autofocus with the normal phase detection engine. The upside is that you can zoom in with LiveView and get a really sharp image at any focal length. It's a huge help when doing macro IR photography.

John Hernlund (Tokyo_John) on October 22, 2015

One issue is that lens elements do not refract IR light the same as visible light, and there might be some issues to contend with in focusing. Probably some lenses are better than others. I am thinking about converting a D90, same as you did, and I am wondering if you have been able to use LiveView focusing at all, or is focusing simply not an option given the small luminance of IR?

Philip Coleman (philcoleman) on October 21, 2015

You can convert an old body to one with no internal filters. Then with an IR passing filter on the lens, you are taking IR photos. With a visible only filter (like the Tiffen 812) on the lens, you can take visible light photos as with the unmodified camera.

John D. Roach (jdroach) on October 20, 2015

Fellow Ribbon awarded. John exhibits true Nikonian spirit by frequently posting images and requesting comments and critique, which he graciously accepts. He is an inspiration to all of us through constant improvement in his own work, keen observations and excellent commentary on images posted by others. Donor Ribbon awarded for his very generous support to the Fundraising Campaign 2014 Donor Ribbon awarded for his most generous support to the Fundraising Campaign 2015 Ribbon awarded for his generous support to the Fundraising Campaign 2017 Ribbon awarded for his generous contribution to the 2019 Fundraising campaign Awarded for winning in The Best of Nikonians 2019 Photo Contest

Nice introduction, Dan

User on October 19, 2015

Great article, thank you. I have recently been using a Hoya IR72 on both my Nikon D800E and Fuji X-T 1. It works very well on both cameras, but I think the Fuji sensor is more sensitive than Nikon as a successful exposure takes around 10-25 seconds on the Fuji, whereas it takes up to 50 secs on the Nikon. Following your article I can see lots of folks having fun with IR. Thanks for posting. Richard

Kathy Cavallaro (Cavy2) on October 19, 2015

Awarded for her continuing willingness to keep on learning and to share her knowledge with others in the Nikonians spirit Awarded for her in-depth knowledge and high level of skill in several areas. Ribbon awarded as a member who has gone beyond technical knowledge to show mastery of the art a

Well written Dan! How about some information on processing the images?

G