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Infrared Photography and Canvas Art

Filed under: Infrared Photography Tips

What is digital infrared photography?

Photography is the art of capturing light. For the most part, we're talking about visible light. Infrared (or IR) photography on the other hand is the art of capturing the invisible light that goes just beyond red light in the visible spectrum. Canvas Art prints of infrared photographs can create a window into an invisible world. Infrared photos have a wonderful, graphic quality that makes them unique and impactful works of art. Capturing this invisible light is a challenge - but IR photographs can make even an ordinary scene ethereal and otherworldly. 

Why Infrared?

Infrared light, like visible light, is reflected differently by different materials. In infrared, the bright, blue sky is nearly black, while plants become a ghostly white. Human skin is mostly transparent, and takes on a milky white colour. Manmade structures and materials can display wildly different characteristics in IR, and water is no longer transparent.

All of these effects contribute to the unusual tonal quality of infrared photos.

Canvas Art prints of infrared photographs can create a window into an invisible world. Infrared photos have a wonderful, graphic quality that makes them unique and impactful works of art.

Capturing Infrared Photos

You can capture infrared photos with most digital cameras, although a tripod is essential if you wish to get quality results without a specially modified camera: exposure times can be nearly 15 seconds long.

To get started, you will need an infrared filter. These block visible light, but are transparent in infrared. They can be purchased from numerous places on the internet. Two commonly used filters are Hoya's R72 or R90. The R72 gives spectacular false-colour images, while the R90 is better for giving the classic black & white infrared look with deep black skies and snowy white foliage.

You also need a way to attach the filter to your lens. Some compact cameras may need a special adaptor to allow you to attach a screw-on filter to your lens.

Infrared Camera Conversion

You can also get your camera specially modified for infrared photography. This involves having the camera's built-in IR blocking filter replaced with a new filter that blocks visible light but transmits infrared.

I got my camera (an old Nikon D80) converted by Camera Clinic in Melbourne. A word of warning, though - once your camera is converted to IR, you can no longer capture regular photos. The process is relatively inexpensive (around $500 for most DSLRs), and is the best way to really enjoy photographing the invisible world of Infrared.


Posted on Sunday, 03 July 2011 by Website Administrator

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