1. Understanding the Basics of Infrared Photography
* What is Infrared Light? Infrared light is beyond the visible spectrum, meaning our eyes can't see it. Plants strongly reflect IR light, which is why they appear almost white in IR photos. The sky usually appears very dark, adding to the dramatic effect.
* Why Black and White? While color IR photography is possible (and interesting), B&W is more common for landscapes. It emphasizes the tonal contrast between the glowing foliage and the dark sky, giving the photos a classic, high-contrast, dreamlike quality.
* Why Dedicated Conversion? While you can use IR filters on a regular camera lens, they require very long exposures (often seconds or minutes), making handheld shooting impossible and difficult even with a tripod, especially with wind. A dedicated IR conversion replaces the camera's internal hot mirror filter, making it much more sensitive to IR light. This allows for more reasonable shutter speeds.
2. Methods of Camera Conversion
There are two main ways to get an IR-converted camera:
* Professional Conversion: This is the *most recommended* method. You send your camera to a specialized conversion service (see list below) and they physically remove the existing hot mirror (IR cut filter) and replace it with a specific IR pass filter. This ensures a clean and reliable conversion. Here's what you need to consider when choosing a service:
* Reputation and Reviews: Research the company's reputation online. Read reviews and look for before-and-after examples of their work.
* Filter Wavelength: This is critical! The wavelength determines how much of the visible and IR spectrum is allowed through. Common options for B&W landscapes:
* 720nm (Nanometers): A good starting point. Allows *some* visible light, resulting in a less extreme IR effect. Often considered a good balance. Can be used for color as well, with strong color casts that need adjustment.
* 830nm: Blocks nearly all visible light, giving a *stronger* and more pronounced IR effect. Produces very dramatic black and white images. Can be a bit more challenging to focus.
* 590nm (Super Color IR): Allows the most visible light to pass through. This is the most common for color infrared photography but can also produce unique black and white images.
* Consider what "look" you want before choosing a wavelength. Some conversion companies offer "full spectrum" conversions, which can be used for both IR and UV photography but require different filters for each.
* Sensor Cleaning: Make sure the service includes sensor cleaning as part of the conversion process. The removal of the hot mirror can easily introduce dust.
* Warranty: Check the warranty offered on the conversion.
* Cost: Conversions typically range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars, depending on the camera model and filter type.
* DIY Conversion (Advanced): This is *not recommended* unless you have extensive electronics and camera repair experience. It's risky and can easily damage your camera. If you are determined to do it yourself, research extensively and find detailed guides specific to your camera model. The process involves:
* Disassembling the camera.
* Locating and carefully removing the hot mirror.
* Installing an IR pass filter.
* Reassembling the camera.
3. Choosing a Camera Body
* Used Cameras: Consider using an older, used DSLR or mirrorless camera for conversion. This is a much more cost-effective option than converting a current camera.
* Sensor Size: APS-C (crop sensor) or Full Frame both work well. Full frame will offer a wider field of view with the same lens, which can be beneficial for landscapes.
* Live View: Cameras with live view are highly recommended. They make focusing easier, as the viewfinder image may not accurately represent what the sensor is seeing in IR.
* Mirrorless vs. DSLR: Mirrorless cameras are often preferred because their focus peaking is more accurate.
4. Lenses for Infrared Photography
* "Hot Spots": Some lenses produce a bright, noticeable "hot spot" in the center of the image when used with IR. This is caused by the lens coating. Research online to see if your lenses are known to have this problem. Some photographers like hot spots for their artistic effect.
* Manual Focus: Because IR light focuses slightly differently than visible light, manual focus is often more accurate. Use live view and zoom in to ensure sharp focus.
* Lens Coatings: Avoid modern lenses with many layers of coatings, as they can block or reflect IR light. Older lenses often perform better.
* Sharpness: A sharp lens will help make the most of the high-contrast look of IR photography.
5. Shooting Techniques for Infrared Photography
* White Balance: Set a custom white balance. A good starting point is to point the camera at green foliage and use that as the white balance target. This will give you a more neutral starting point for B&W conversion.
* Exposure: IR light often results in overexposed images. Start with a lower ISO and adjust your aperture and shutter speed accordingly. Use your camera's histogram to avoid clipping the highlights or shadows.
* Focus: As mentioned, manual focus using live view is often the most accurate.
* Composition: Look for scenes with strong contrast and interesting textures. Clouds, trees, water, and architecture all work well. The key is to visualize how these elements will appear in IR – the foliage will be bright, the sky will be dark.
* Filters: You can use additional filters on your lens, even with a converted camera, to further enhance the IR effect or to block out specific parts of the spectrum.
6. Post-Processing for Black and White Infrared Images
* RAW Format: Shoot in RAW to retain the most information for post-processing.
* Convert to Black and White: Use your preferred RAW converter (Adobe Camera Raw, Lightroom, Capture One, etc.) to convert the image to black and white.
* Contrast Adjustment: Increase contrast to enhance the dramatic effect. Pay attention to the histogram to avoid clipping.
* Tone Curves: Use tone curves to fine-tune the highlights, shadows, and midtones.
* Dodging and Burning: Use dodging and burning to selectively lighten or darken specific areas of the image. This can help draw the viewer's eye to the most important elements.
* Sharpening: Apply sharpening to enhance the details.
* Dust Removal: Pay careful attention to dust spots. They tend to show up very easily in IR photos.
* Software: Many photographers use Silver Efex Pro for its great B&W conversion capabilities.
7. Conversion Services
Here are a few well-regarded companies that offer camera conversion services (always do your own research and check reviews before committing):
* Life Pixel: (lifepixel.com) A very popular and reputable choice. Offers a wide range of filters and services.
* Kolari Vision: (kolarivision.com) Another highly regarded company with a strong reputation.
* MaxMax: (maxmax.com) Long-standing company with a wide array of IR and UV conversion options.
* Spencer's Camera and Photo: (spencerscamera.com)
In Summary
Converting a camera for infrared black and white landscape photography is a worthwhile investment for those seeking a unique and artistic perspective. Research your conversion service carefully, choose the right filter wavelength for your desired look, and practice your shooting and post-processing techniques to create stunning and surreal images. Good luck!