Introduction to Infrared
- Near IR (730-900 nm) NIR
- Far IR (900-1200 nm)
- Thermal IR (6000-7200 nm) - National Geographic
Tim's NIR photos used during the presentation.
IR Normally Invisible to Humans - When we can see it - reflected
- NIR- White is White,
- Black is Black (Neutrals)
- Greens are different shades of white,
- Blues are different shades of black &
- Reds are shades of gray
- Used In TV Remotes & Some Flash Guns
- Used in Agriculture to detect diseased trees and Plants
Ways of Rendering NIR Images
- Film Cameras (Special IR Film,
- Difficulty Loading Film, Focusing
- Problems & Expensive Processing)
- Film IR Experience-
- Ag. Folks can detect Diseased Plants w/Aerial IR
- Digital Cameras- Much less involved,
- No special film,
- No focusing problems,
- but all have hot or IR blocking mirrors
- P&S often are better (Discuss) than DSLR
- Digital Cameras I’ve Used-method to determine if camera can see IR
- DSLR’s need to be modified generally to work well for NIR- Pros & Cons
- If using the IR filters on an unmodified DSLR- expect focusing difficulties & Long exposure times
- Some cameras that can be used – with filter sizes
- Nikon 950/990 28mm
- Sony MiniDV camcorder 37mm
- Canon DV camcorder 30.5mm
- Sony Cybershot 5.0 MP (DSC-F707) 58mm
Needed to Shoot Digital NIR
- P&S Digital Camera with IR Filter
- DSLR with Filter (Unmodified)
- Tripod a necessity with the above two
- Modified DSLR (Hot or Blocking Filter
removed & replaced with IR Filter) - Tripod
unnecessary, no focusing difficulties
Filters for NIR
- Wratten 89-B- very dark, black-red filterbest for most Digital Cameras. Produces a mild “IR Look” & yet gives useful speed response to the camera
- Wratten 87 is a typical black IR Filter which scarcely lets any visible light thru
- There are other IR Filters- these are the most commonly used
- Best overall source of IR Filters- Harrison & Harrison Filters. Since they are not web based you will need to call them to place an order
Harrison and Harrison
1835 Thunderbolt Drive, Unit E
Porterville, CA 93257
559-782-0121
email:HarrisonOP@aol.com
Why Shoot In IR?
- Images often More Interesting & dramatic
- IR cuts through haze
- Pictures of people hide blemishes and provide a softer look- Used more now for weddings & yearbooks
- Shows more detail in many instances
Post Processing of NIR Images
- Can Use PS or PSE primarily Levels & change the Mode from color to grayscale
- Also interesting to play with various filters and Blending modes
Reference Links for More Information
NOW THAT WE HAVE THE NUTS & BOLTS OF IR DOWN PAT-LET’S LOOK AT WHAT THIS
UNIQUE & UNUSUAL TYPE OF PHOTOGRAPHY LOOKS LIKE!