Infra-Red

Thought it about time I posted a landscape here.

Taking infra-red on a Canon dslr seems to be near impossible as infra-red is so heavily filtered by the sensor. This I found out the hard way having spent over £100 on a very deep red filter which demanded extraordinarily long exposure resulting in masses of noise and subject movement.

This shot was taken without filters and converted in PS3

Hi Paul,

I've never tried infra-red, so not sure how the process works or what it does What are it's difference's from B/W? It's a nice image showing a tranquil scene, but if the tree's are in Autumn colour, then surely it's screaming out to be colour??

Regards

Rob

Hi Paul

I like your infrared conversion, particularly the effect in the trees on the right hand side. Overall the composition is a bit uninteresting for me and the infrared effect is not enough to lift it. A good technique though and your conversion is very well done.

It is possible to get cameras converted to InfraRed by removing the IR filter in front of the sensor. If you are keen on this type of photography it might be worth picking up a cheap second hand body and converting it for this use.

Interesting article here ;

Infra Red 20D

cheers

Sean

Rob, IR is totally different beast than visible light photography as reflectance of subjects for IR light differs from visible light. Typical example is green foliage that turns bright in IR photo. You shall google subject "IR photography" for loads of information.

Paul as Sean pointed out, composition isn't ideal. Especially foreground is quite empty no mater the media. Cropping it out improves your photo and IR effect is more visible. To further improve it, I would try to increase contrast in sky part of your photo as clouds looks like there is some potential there to work on. But all in all, I like effect you presented, and would be interested to hear your technique of IR conversion.

Cheers,
Marko

Bit of a specialised area Paul, but a fascinating subject!!

Although a pretty new area of photography for the digital era, it does seem to be compatable, from what ive seen.

Agree with the previous comments that the subject matter is crucial for IR to work at its best, and although this composition/subject matter gives a good feel for the subject, i'm not sure if its ideal.

I would definately keep this at a template/guide, as to the sort off effects that are likely on various aspects etc.

I suspect {as with B&W} that the user needs to aquire 'an eye' as to the final likely rendition, and then ideal situations will become more easy to identify.

A fine start on the IR journey, in my view

Alan

You've certainly captured an infra-red feel in the trees but I think the sky could have much more contrast. Not completely taken with the composition but certainly looks and interesting place. I did quite a bit of IR earlier in the year but used film. You can pick up an old eos 1N extremely cheaply if you look around and this camera does not fog the film with its sensor. Tristan

I bought an IR filter for my 5D, what an idiot, does absolutely nothing except allow you to make black and white photos in the daytime with 30sec exposures! I would love to have a converted camera.

Like the idea, but I don't think this particular view is best suited to infra-red. You really need a clear blue sky with a bit of puff as the sky will go almost black and bright green foliage glows. Maybe a view that is more bold and a simple composition?

Thanks to everyone for the input. Totally agree with Elliott who will have to wait for my next infra-red posting.

The composition is not great but I wanted to try the process.