INFRARED PHOTOGRAPHY ASIA

Welcome to the world of digital infrared photography!


Part of the fun in photography is trying new things. Digital IR photography helps you look at your world in a new way and lets you create otherworldly images that appear unlike those from any other technique you’re likely to try. That alone is a good enough reason to try digital infrared photography.

Bani, Pangasinan (2011).Nikon D70 (Unconverted); 11-16 Tokina Lens; Hoya R72 Infrared Filter (Click on image to enlarge)

What You Will Need: Information, Equipment and Perseverance 

First, you will need information on how to shoot infrared images.  The rules in composing digital infrared images are pretty much the same as general photography.   In today's age of digital technology, the web can provide you vast resources of materials for learning about infrared photography. You will find bits of information from this blog. The are also books and magazine articles on the topic.  Of course, you will need to gather as much information as you can to help you develop a particular style for your infrared photography.   

You will also need to have a digital camera which is sensitive to infrared light.  Other infrared photography shooters prefer to use a converted camera customized to shoot infrared images.  These are cameras fitted with an infrared sensitive filter inside their bodies.  Most modern digital cameras have an infrared and ultraviolet blocking filter inside them to help them produce sharper images.  In converted cameras, these blocking filters are removed and replaced by an infrared-pass filter which allows more infrared light to enter into the camera sensor thereby making the camera more sensitive to infrared light.  Once the camera is converted for infrared, you would not be able to use your camera for normal photography again unless you have it reverted back by removing the infrared-pass filter and returning the infrared blocking filter inside the camera body.  

If you opt not to use a converted camera,  an infrared optical filter will be necessary and is a cheaper option.  The most popular is the Hoya R72 Infrared filter, which was used to take the photo above.  Other accessories needed will be your tripod, and perhaps a shutter release cable.  To top this all, you will need patience and perseverance (lots of this) to be able to come out with stunning images worth keeping and sharing for the years to come.  Infrared photography might be challenging and frustrating when starting to try it.  However, once you get the hang of it, it will be enjoyable and will help build up your photography repertoire.