Infrared photography

Infrared photography is a style of photography that captures images using infrared light, which is invisible to the human eye. By utilizing special cameras or filters, photographers can create unique and surreal images that showcase landscapes, skies, and more in unexpected ways, often highlighting greens and whites in particular.

Infrared photography differs from regular photography in that it uses infrared light instead of visible light. This type of light has longer wavelengths, resulting in images with unique contrasts and textures. The process can drastically change how scenes appear, especially in areas with greenery or water.

To start with infrared photography, you can use infrared filters or a camera modified to capture infrared light. Filters attach to your camera lens to block visible light, while conversions remove internal filters in cameras, allowing for infrared light capture. Both options have unique benefits and costs.

Infrared photography is commonly used for creating dreamlike landscape photos, artistic images, and in scientific and military applications for things like night vision and remote sensing. Its ability to transform ordinary scenes into ethereal ones makes it popular among photographers exploring mood and atmosphere.

Plants and greenery often appear white in infrared photos because they reflect a lot of infrared light. This reflection is captured by infrared-sensitive cameras or filters, creating a stark contrast between greenery and other elements in the photograph, leading to unique and beautiful images.

Using filters is a good starting point as it’s cost-effective and allows flexibility. However, converting a camera provides more control and quality over the final image. It depends on your commitment level and budget; filters are great for beginners, while conversions suit serious photographers.

Bright and sunny conditions are ideal for infrared photography because they enhance the reflection of infrared light from surfaces like foliage. Shooting in such conditions allows you to capture striking contrasts and vivid scenes which showcase the unique qualities of infrared photography beautifully.

Photo editing is crucial in infrared photography to enhance the surreal and ethereal effects captured by the camera. Editing software helps adjust colors and contrast, bringing out the desired atmosphere and mood in your images, and highlights the features specific to infrared photography.

Yes, it's possible with regular cameras by using infrared filters that block visible light. Alternatively, you could convert your camera by removing its infrared-blocking filter, though this is a more permanent and expensive modification. Both methods enable capturing infrared light effectively.

Beginners should start with experimenting using infrared filters, as it’s cost-effective and flexible. They should practice shooting in bright conditions and focus on understanding how different subjects reflect infrared light. Learning to edit photos is also key to enhancing their creative expression in infrared photography.