The Light You Cant See

I've decided to try a new type of photography.

Infrared Photography (IR)

Infrared photography refers to a special type of photography using films or sensors that have infrared light sensitivity. By using infrared light in a photograph one can add special effects, like false colours, to photographs.

I have heard about IR photography for a while but never tried. Some of the photos I have seen on the subject seem to be super surreal photos. They look like dreams bought to life, like an alternate reality.

This type of photography seems so vibrant, so mesmerising and calming.

My Journey To IR

I decided to buy an IR converted camera. I purchased a Pentax K-01 already modified for Full Spectrum.

What is Full Spectrum? A full spectrum camera conversion is a modification where the camera’s internal IR cut filter is removed and replaced with a clear filter, making the camera sensitive to UV, visible, and IR light.

What this means is the camera will now see all light. Not just visible light like the human eye but will see all light.

The reason I went full spectrum is I wanted the most flexibility I could get. Will full spectrum I can attach filters of set wave lengths to change what sort of photos I would get.

Why the pentax K-01?

I decided on the Pentax K-01 because it is compatible with all my current Pentax lenses and it uses the same batteries as my K-1, so a win win all around.

You don't realise how much you love something till its gone :(

The Pentax K-01 is a mirrorless body meaning it doesn't have a Viewfinder......god I miss my view finder.

My 1st Attempt

Not really knowing what to do I decided to take it to work and snap along the way. There are some nice trees and architecture along the way.

Slightly Off picture. colours seem a mix between normal and washed out

A normal photo not too extraordinary or anything. In my research I knew IR photos needed a lot of Post Production to get them to where I wanted them.

Shooting In raw meant I had loads of freedom with editing. White balance plays a massive role in the way IR photos come out. After a few 5 minute tutorials I was Able to get this

This looks much more like the stuff I am after. False Colour, dream-scape, vibrant

With a little practice and more time in photoshop I think they could look even better.

Thanks for reading my ramblings.

Please check out my gallery for more IR Photos.

:) Steven