In contrast with the human eye, digital camera sensors are sensitive to infrared light. To avoid color artifacts and autofocus calculations, digital camera sensors are equipped with infrared blocking filters. Older DSLR cameras may have less infrared blocking capabilities and offer the opportunity to capture near-infrared images. An alternative method to capture near-infrared photographs is to remove the infrared blocker in front of the sensor and replace it with another filter that blocks visible light. This method is expensive and requires to modify the camera and make it work only with infrared light.
Amazing Near-Infrared Photography Images
For older DSLR cameras with weaker infrared blocking capabilities a single detachable lens infrared filter might work. To test if your camera is capable of capturing infrared light, try to capture a TV remote controller while pressing the buttons. With a shutter speed of 3-4 seconds, check the image for any infrared light coming through the remote controller. If you see marks of infrared light then you can buy a lens detachable filter. The filter will block the visible light and allow infrared light to pass through the filter. However, you need long shutter speeds of 15+ seconds to capture infrared photos.
Hoya detachable infrared filter:
To capture infrared images, a tripod is required to avoid camera shake. For good results, capturing sunny days with green trees and water lakes is a nice idea. The final challenge is to transform the reddish images in post-processing. Modifying white balance can result in images with dark blue skies and pinkish leaves.
Below, we can see a selection of 33 amazing infrared photos. Some of these images have undergone heavy post-processing to produce a beautiful dreamy effect.
Reflets IRréels by David Keochkerian
Old vs New Hong Kong by Mattias Hammar
La petite maison dans la praIRie by David Keochkerian
Pont Chaban Delmas#2 by AlpixImages
Calm before the Storm by Mattias
A different World in Infrared by Werner Kunz
Catholic University by Zach Stern
Pagoda dreams by Yevgen Pogoryelov
Tree on Monument Hill by Zach Stern
Infra…. Blue! by David Keochkerian
Discovering the Light by Don Komarechka
The road to the big house by Neal Fowler
Blue on blue, heartache on heartache by Gabe Farnsworth
Griffith Park Observatory in Infrared by Bob Denhaan
The Barn Across the Meadow by Frank Loose
Dove Memorial! by David Keochkerian
Tokyo Disneyland by Tom Bricker
Walt Disney World by Tom Bricker
Bel Air (Le Haillan) by Adrien Sifre
Collins Street Buildings by Mattias Hammar
Hot Air Balloons by Paula Cobleigh
Lifeguard tower by Paula Cobleigh
Boise in Infrared by vazagothic
