1. Understanding Infrared Photography and Camera Conversion
* What is Infrared? Infrared light lies just beyond the visible spectrum. Special filters block visible light, allowing only IR to reach the sensor. This results in unique effects, such as:
* White Foliage: Chlorophyll in plants strongly reflects IR light, making leaves appear bright white.
* Darker Skies: The sky tends to appear much darker than in visible light photography, creating dramatic contrast.
* Ethereal and Dreamlike Appearance: Overall, IR photography can produce a surreal, almost dreamlike quality.
* Why Convert a Camera?
* Full-Spectrum Conversion: Replacing the hot mirror filter (which blocks IR) with clear glass. This is the foundation, allowing the sensor to capture IR. You then use external IR filters on your lens to block visible light.
* Dedicated IR Conversion: Replacing the hot mirror filter with a specific IR pass filter (e.g., 720nm, 850nm, 590nm). This blocks most of the visible light *internally*, so you don't always need a filter on the lens, although you may still choose to use them for fine-tuning the effect.
* Advantages of Conversion:
* Long Exposures Become Manageable: Without conversion, using strong IR filters on a regular camera often requires extremely long exposures (minutes), making landscape photography impractical in daylight. A converted camera allows for much faster shutter speeds.
* Easier Composition and Focusing: You can see through the viewfinder or LCD screen with a converted camera, making composing and focusing much easier.
* Better Image Quality: Dedicated IR converted cameras generally produce better image quality than using external filters on a regular camera.
* Choosing a Camera for Conversion:
* Older DSLRs/Mirrorless: Many photographers use older, lower-megapixel cameras for IR conversion. This is because you may not want to dedicate your primary camera to IR photography. Also, some older cameras have sensors that are more sensitive to IR light.
* Sensor Size: APS-C or Full-Frame sensors both work well. Full-frame cameras generally offer better dynamic range and low-light performance.
* Live View: A camera with live view is highly recommended for easy focusing and composition, particularly with unconverted cameras using screw-on filters.
* Availability of Conversion Services: Check if there are reputable conversion services that support the camera model you're considering.
* Camera Condition: Choose a camera in good working condition, as the conversion process can be delicate.
* Popular Models: Some popular cameras for IR conversion include:
* Nikon D70, D80, D90, D7000 series, D600/D610
* Canon EOS Digital Rebel series, 20D, 30D, 40D, 50D, 60D, 5D Mark II
* Sony Alpha a6000/a6300/a6500 series
* Micro Four Thirds Cameras
2. Conversion Options: DIY vs. Professional Service
* DIY Conversion (Not Recommended for Beginners):
* Requires significant technical skill and experience with electronics.
* Risk of damaging the camera's sensor or other components.
* Requires specialized tools, like screwdrivers, soldering iron, antistatic wrist strap, and a clean, dust-free workspace.
* Resources: While I don't recommend this, there are DIY guides and videos available online. Search for "[Camera Model] Infrared Conversion DIY."
* Potential Issues: Calibration of the autofocus system may be required. Dust on the sensor is almost guaranteed.
* Professional Conversion Service (Highly Recommended):
* Safer and more reliable.
* Guaranteed results (assuming reputable service).
* Often includes sensor cleaning and recalibration.
* Typical cost: Varies depending on the camera model and the type of conversion, but typically ranges from $200 to $500.
* Finding a Service: Search online for "camera infrared conversion service" or "[your location] camera infrared conversion." Check reviews and ask for recommendations.
* Reputable Services: Kolari Vision, LifePixel, Spencer's Camera & Photo.
3. Choosing an IR Filter Wavelength (for Full Spectrum Cameras)
* Full Spectrum (Clear Filter) Conversion with External Filters After you have the camera converted to full spectrum, you'll need to use filters on the lens. The wavelength of the filter determines the effect:
* 720nm: A popular choice, offering a good balance between IR effects and retained color information. Produces bright foliage and dark skies. Can still be used for color infrared if desired (requires channel swapping in post-processing).
* 850nm: Blocks almost all visible light, resulting in a stronger, more dramatic IR effect. Pure black and white images are typical.
* 590nm (Goldie): Blocks UV and most blue light, passing some red and infrared. This filter allows for dramatic color shifts and surreal effects. Requires extensive post-processing.
* Choosing: Start with a 720nm filter if you're unsure. It's the most versatile and forgiving. Consider 850nm for pure black and white, and 590nm for experimental color IR.
* Filter Quality: Invest in a good quality IR filter to avoid issues like vignetting or image degradation. Brands like B+W, Hoya, and Tiffen are reliable.
4. Lenses for Infrared Photography
* Hotspots: Some lenses exhibit "hotspots" in infrared photography – a bright circular area in the center of the image. This is caused by internal reflections. Lens manufacturers do not design lenses specifically for IR.
* Testing: Test your lenses with your converted camera and chosen IR filter to check for hotspots.
* Recommended Lenses:
* Older manual focus lenses: Often perform well in IR.
* Prime lenses: Generally less prone to hotspots than zoom lenses.
* Lens Compatibility Lists: Online resources (Kolari Vision, LifePixel) may have lists of lenses known to work well with IR photography.
* Focus Shift: Infrared light focuses slightly differently than visible light.
* Check Sharpness: Carefully check focus on your converted camera. If needed, adjust the focusing screen or use the camera's fine focus adjustment (if available). Live view helps here.
* Stopping Down: Stopping down the aperture (e.g., to f/8 or f/11) can increase the depth of field and compensate for minor focus shifts.
5. Shooting Techniques
* White Balance: Set a custom white balance using a piece of green foliage under the same lighting conditions. This helps neutralize the reddish tint common in IR photography.
* Metering: Metering can be tricky. Use a handheld light meter or experiment with different exposure settings.
* RAW Format: Always shoot in RAW format to preserve the most information for post-processing.
* Composition: Think about contrast and texture. Look for scenes with strong lines, interesting foliage, and dramatic skies.
* Time of Day: Midday sun provides the strongest IR light, but sunrise and sunset can also produce interesting effects.
* Tripod: Use a tripod for sharp images, especially in low light.
* Focusing: Use live view and manual focus for precise results.
6. Post-Processing
* Software: Use Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, or Capture One.
* Basic Adjustments:
* White Balance: Fine-tune the white balance to achieve the desired color or black and white look.
* Exposure: Adjust the exposure as needed.
* Contrast: Increase contrast to enhance the dramatic effect.
* Highlights and Shadows: Adjust highlights and shadows to recover detail.
* Black and White Conversion: If desired, convert to black and white.
* Channel Swapping: (For color IR with a 720nm filter): In Photoshop, swap the red and blue channels (Image -> Adjustments -> Channel Mixer). This creates the characteristic "false color" IR look.
* Selective Color Adjustments: Use adjustment layers or masks to selectively adjust the color and tone of specific areas of the image.
* Dodging and Burning: Use dodging and burning techniques to subtly lighten or darken areas of the image.
* Sharpening: Sharpen the image to enhance detail.
In Summary:
Converting a camera for infrared black and white landscape photography requires careful planning and execution. Start by understanding the basics of IR photography and choosing the right camera and conversion method. Experiment with different filters and shooting techniques to find the look you want. Finally, master post-processing to bring your vision to life.