Infrared photography is like having X-ray vision for your camera, only instead of seeing through walls, you get to see the world in a whole new light - literally. Infrared photography is a unique way to capture the beauty of the natural world, and it's particularly striking when applied to landscapes. If you're an adventurous photographer looking to expand your skillset and capture some truly stunning shots, then infrared landscape photography is definitely worth exploring.
Now, you might be thinking, "Infrared? Isn't that just for spy movies and military surveillance?" Well, yes and no. Infrared photography has been around since the early 1900s, and it's been used in a variety of applications over the years, from scientific research to art photography. But it's true that infrared photography isn't as well-known as other photographic techniques, which is a shame because it can produce some truly magical images.
So, what exactly is infrared photography? Infrared light is invisible to the human eye, but it can be detected by certain cameras and converted into visible light. This results in images with a dreamy, ethereal quality, where green foliage appears white, blue skies appear dark, and skin tones can look ghostly. Infrared landscape photography, in particular, can be breathtaking, with trees and foliage appearing like they're glowing, and clouds taking on an otherworldly appearance. So, if you're ready to explore the surreal beauty of infrared landscape photography, let's get started!
Sleepy Hollow Farm, located in Woodstock, Vermont, is a popular destination for photographers looking to capture the essence of rural life. This stunning farm is set amidst rolling hills, lush greenery, and a tranquil atmosphere that provides the perfect backdrop for photography enthusiasts. I decided to go a different route and used my infrared camera. Using the Hoya R72 filter, the scene looks like it's covered in snow. Limited Edition print in the Infrared Gallery.
Choosing the Right Equipment for Infrared Landscape Photography
Choosing the right equipment is crucial for any type of photography, but it's especially important for infrared landscape photography. Here are some key pieces of equipment you'll need to get started:
First and foremost, you'll need a camera that's capable of capturing infrared light. Some cameras have an infrared-blocking filter that prevents this, so you'll need to check if your camera can be modified to allow for infrared capture. If not, you may need to invest in a dedicated infrared camera. Infrared cameras are specifically designed to capture infrared light, and they often have better sensitivity and resolution than modified cameras.
Next, you'll need an infrared filter. This is a special filter that blocks visible light and only allows infrared light to pass through to the camera's sensor. There are several types of infrared filters available, each with a different cutoff wavelength. The most common cutoff wavelengths for infrared photography are 720nm, 850nm. Life Pixel Infrared and Kolari Vision offer a wide range of infrared filters. The higher the cutoff wavelength, the more dramatic the infrared effect will be.
In addition to a camera and filter, you'll also need a lens that's suitable for infrared photography. Not all lenses are created equal when it comes to infrared photography, and some lenses can produce unwanted hotspots or other artifacts. Look for lenses that have been specifically designed for infrared photography or that have a low level of infrared leakage. Through years of experience, prime lenses work the best for reducing hotspots.
Finally, a good tripod is essential for infrared landscape photography. Since infrared light can sometimes require longer exposure times, a sturdy tripod can help keep your camera steady and reduce blur. Look for a tripod that's lightweight, easy to set up, and has a stable base.
By choosing the right equipment, you'll be well on your way to capturing stunning infrared landscape photos. Of course, there's more to it than just having the right gear - you'll also need to know how to use it effectively. In the next section, we'll dive into some key techniques for infrared landscape photography.
Infrared photograph of Seattle and the Space Needle from Kerry Park. Mount Rainier in the background always puts on a show in the Pacific Northwest. This infrared photograph was taken using the 470nm Hypercolor infrared filter on a full spectrum converted camera from Life Pixel Infrared in Mukilteo Washington. The exciting part of infrared photography is that the colors are outside the visual spectrum so have fun with the editing process. Limited edition print from the Infrared gallery.
Techniques for Infrared Landscape Photography
Now that you've got the right equipment for infrared landscape photography, it's time to explore some key techniques to help you capture stunning images. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Settings and Exposure: Infrared photography requires some different camera settings than traditional photography. For example, since infrared light can sometimes require longer exposure times, it's important to use a tripod to avoid camera shake. Additionally, since infrared light is often strongest around midday, it's best to shoot during the middle of the day when the sun is high in the sky. Use a narrow aperture (high f-number) to create a deeper depth of field and ensure sharpness throughout the image.
Composition: When composing your infrared landscape photos, it's important to consider the different tonal values of the elements in the scene. Keep in mind that infrared light will reflect differently off of different materials, such as foliage and rocks. Experiment with the composition and framing to make sure that you capture the scene in the most striking way possible.
Post-Processing Techniques: Post-processing is an important part of any type of photography, and this is especially true for infrared landscape photography. Use software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom to enhance the contrast and brightness of your images. You can also experiment with converting your infrared images to black and white for a dramatic effect.
Lighting and Weather Conditions: Different lighting and weather conditions can produce vastly different infrared landscape photos. Overcast days can produce moody and mysterious images, while sunny days can create bold and striking images. Experiment with different lighting conditions and weather patterns to see what works best for your particular style.
By keeping these techniques in mind, you'll be well on your way to capturing stunning infrared landscape photos. Of course, there's always more to learn and explore, so don't be afraid to experiment and try new things. In the next section, we'll explore some of the best locations for infrared landscape photography.
The Drumheller Fountain at the University of Washington on a summer day. Built in the early 1900s, it's name was changed in 1961 to honor the University Regent Joseph Drumheller. Taken with a full spectrum converted camera using the IR Chrome filter. IR Chrome is usually red foliage and dark blue sky but it's infrared so this is how I made it look. Sunny days are the best time to photograph in infrared. Limited edition print from the Infrared gallery.
Best Locations for Infrared Landscape Photography
When it comes to infrared landscape photography, location is key. Some locations lend themselves more naturally to infrared photography than others. Here are a few more locations to consider:
Beaches: Beaches can be great locations for infrared landscape photography, especially during the early morning or late evening when the sun is low in the sky. The reflections on the wet sand can create a beautiful contrast with the infrared light, and the waves crashing against the shore can create a dreamlike effect.
Rural Landscapes: Rural landscapes can offer a wide range of opportunities for infrared landscape photography. The rolling hills, fields of crops, and rustic farm buildings can create a beautiful contrast with the infrared light, and the wide open spaces can make for some stunning panoramic shots.
Gardens and Botanical Parks: Gardens and botanical parks are great locations for capturing the beauty of nature with infrared photography. The colorful flowers and lush greenery can create a beautiful contrast with the infrared light, and the meandering pathways can make for some interesting compositions.
Historical Sites: Historical sites, such as ruins or castles, can offer a unique opportunity for infrared landscape photography. The contrast between the ancient structures and the soft, dreamlike effect of the infrared light can create a beautiful mood and atmosphere.
Wildlife Reserves: Wildlife reserves can be great locations for capturing wildlife with infrared photography. The infrared light can create a beautiful contrast with the animals' fur or feathers, and the dreamlike effect can give the images a magical quality.
When choosing a location for infrared landscape photography, it's important to keep in mind the unique properties of infrared light and how they will interact with the location. By experimenting with different locations and lighting conditions, you can find the perfect spot for your next shoot and capture some truly stunning images.
A false color photograph from the Pier 66 rooftop. False color infrared can transform any scene into something out a science fiction movie. This blue hour shot was taken with a 665 nm enhanced infrared converted camera from Life Pixel Infrared. The Best part about infrared photography is the light is outside the visual spectrum. This means you can have fun with the colors. Limited edition print from the Infrared gallery.
Tips and Tricks for Infrared Landscape Photography
Infrared landscape photography can be a challenging and rewarding experience. Here are some tips and tricks to help you capture stunning images:
Use a Tripod: Infrared photography typically requires longer exposure times when using the 720 or higher filters. It's important to use a tripod to keep your camera steady and avoid blur in your images.
Use a Wide-Angle Lens: Wide-angle lenses can be great for capturing panoramic shots and emphasizing the vastness of landscapes. They also allow you to include more elements in your composition, such as a foreground or a striking background. Check the edges of the image to make sure they’re sharp. Some wide-angle lenses get soft and blurry at the edges in infrared photography.
Experiment with White Balance: Infrared light can cause the color in your images to appear differently than what you see with your eyes. For the infrared filters below 665 nm, use a white or grey card to set the white balance. For 665 and up, use green foliage for best results. 665 nm can go either way.
Shoot in Raw: Shooting in Raw format allows you to capture more detail and gives you greater flexibility in post-processing your images. This is especially important for infrared photography, as you may need to adjust the color and contrast to achieve the desired effect.
Look for Interesting Textures: Infrared light can emphasize textures in landscapes, such as the rough bark of a tree or the smooth surface of a lake. Look for interesting textures and incorporate them into your compositions.
Pay Attention to the Light: Infrared light behaves differently than visible light, and can create dramatic and surreal effects. Pay attention to the direction and quality of light, and experiment with different lighting conditions to capture unique and striking images. Infrared photography is famous for lens flares so keep an eye out for flares in the image.
I found a new filter in Photoshop and decided to give it a try. This infrared fine art print from Jose Rizal Bridge overlooking downtown Seattle works perfect for the Oil Paint filter. This fine art print was created with the 665 nm infrared filter converted by Lifepixel.com. Limited edition print in the Oil Painted Nature Photography gallery.
Conclusion
In conclusion, infrared landscape photography offers a unique and creative way to capture the beauty of the natural world. By understanding the properties of infrared light and experimenting with different techniques, locations, and equipment, you can create stunning images that showcase the surreal and dreamlike qualities of infrared photography.
Remember, there are no hard and fast rules in infrared landscape photography. The key is to experiment and have fun, while keeping in mind the basic principles of composition, lighting, and color balance. With practice and persistence, you can develop your own style and create images that are truly unique and captivating.
So whether you're a seasoned photographer or just starting out, consider giving infrared landscape photography a try. You may be surprised at the beauty and depth that infrared light can bring to your images. Just remember to be patient, stay curious, and keep exploring the world around you with a fresh and creative eye.
Starting out in Infrared Photography can be difficult when it comes to editing your images. I offer 1 on 1 editing sessions and have a 2 hour editing video available for purchase.
This infrared photograph of a tulip looks like it belongs on Pandora from the movie Avatar. Tulips come to life in April around the pacific Northwest. North of Seattle is the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival that runs for the month of April. The 590 nm supercolor infrared filter from Life Pixel Infrared is the most vibrant filter offered when it comes to color infrared photography. Limited edition print from the Abstract and Vertical galleries.
A cottonwood tree bathing in the early morning infrared light. The rolling hills and lone cottonwood trees of the Palouse are great photography subjects throughout the summer. Steptoe Butte can be seen in the background. The fields are rotated every year creating an ever changing landscape. Limited edition print from the Infrared gallery.
