I. Understanding Infrared Photography
* What is Infrared? Infrared light is just beyond the visible spectrum to our eyes. While we can't see it, special sensors can detect it.
* Why IR for B&W Landscapes? IR light interacts with landscapes differently than visible light. This leads to:
* Bright, Dreamy Foliage: Chlorophyll in plants reflects IR light strongly, making foliage appear white or very light.
* Dark Skies: Clear skies often appear deep black, creating dramatic contrast.
* Soft, Ethereal Look: IR light scatters differently in the atmosphere, producing a unique, soft look.
* Choosing a Conversion Wavelength: This is crucial. Different filters block more or less visible light. Common choices:
* 720nm: A popular starting point. Blocks almost all visible light, resulting in a strong IR effect but with some color contamination. Easier to focus.
* 830nm: Blocks virtually all visible light, producing a nearly pure IR image. More challenging to focus.
* 590nm (Super Color IR): Lets through a significant amount of visible light. Results in striking false-color images and are typically converted to black and white.
* Custom: Some services offer custom wavelength filters.
* Camera Choice:
* DSLRs or Mirrorless: These are the most common choices due to their flexibility and lens options.
* Point-and-Shoots: Some can be converted, but they're less common.
* Considerations:
* Live View: Crucial for focusing, as the viewfinder will be useless after conversion.
* Manual Focus: Often necessary due to autofocus inaccuracies with IR.
* Megapixel Count: Doesn't need to be extremely high. 12-20MP is usually sufficient.
* Budget: Conversion cost varies depending on the camera and service. You may want to use an older camera.
* Hot Mirror Removal: The crucial part of the conversion. Cameras have a "hot mirror" filter that blocks IR light. This filter must be removed and replaced with an IR pass filter (the 720nm, 830nm, or other type).
II. The Conversion Process
Important: This process is delicate and can easily damage your camera. Unless you have experience working with electronics and delicate components, it is strongly recommended to have a professional perform the conversion.
1. Research Conversion Services: Look for reputable services specializing in IR conversions. Check reviews, turnaround times, and pricing. Examples include:
* LifePixel
* Kolari Vision
* Spencers Camera and Photo
2. Contact the Service: Discuss your needs, preferred wavelength filter, and camera model.
3. Ship Your Camera: Carefully package your camera and ship it to the service. Insure it.
4. The Conversion: The service will:
* Disassemble the camera.
* Remove the hot mirror filter.
* Install the IR pass filter.
* Reassemble and test the camera.
5. Receive Your Converted Camera: Test it thoroughly upon arrival.
If You're Attempting DIY (Proceed with Extreme Caution):
1. Research Thoroughly: Find detailed tutorials and videos specific to your camera model.
2. Gather Tools: You'll need:
* Small precision screwdrivers
* Plastic opening tools (spudgers)
* Anti-static wrist strap
* Compressed air
* Clean, well-lit workspace
* Magnifying glass or microscope (helpful for small components)
* IR pass filter (purchase online)
3. Disassemble Carefully: Follow the tutorial precisely. Document each step with photos or videos.
4. Remove the Hot Mirror: This is often glued in place and requires careful heating or prying.
5. Install the IR Pass Filter: Ensure it's clean and properly aligned.
6. Reassemble Carefully: Reverse the disassembly process.
7. Test Thoroughly: Check for proper operation, focusing, and image quality.
III. Shooting Infrared Landscapes
1. Camera Settings:
* Shooting Mode: Manual (M) is highly recommended for full control.
* Aperture: Start around f/8 to f/11 for good depth of field. Adjust as needed.
* Shutter Speed: Experiment. IR light often requires longer exposures, especially with higher-nanometer filters. Use a tripod!
* ISO: Keep it low (ISO 100-400) to minimize noise.
* White Balance: Set a custom white balance. Take a picture of green grass or foliage and set that as your white balance. This will give you a better starting point for post-processing and avoid excessive magenta casts.
* Focus: Use Live View and zoom in to achieve sharp focus. Manual focus is often necessary because IR light focuses at a different point. Some lenses have IR focus marks (usually a red dot or line). If your lens has a focus scale, move the focus point slightly according to the red line marked after the infinity.
* File Format: Shoot in RAW. This preserves the most data for post-processing.
2. Composition:
* Look for strong shapes and textures: The unique rendering of IR can emphasize these elements.
* Use clouds for drama: Dark skies can create stunning contrast.
* Incorporate water: Water can appear milky smooth or reflective, depending on the angle.
* Find lush vegetation: The bright foliage is a key element of IR landscapes.
3. Lenses:
* Avoid lenses with "hot spots": Some lenses can exhibit a bright spot in the center of the image with IR. Research lens compatibility before shooting.
* Wide-angle lenses: Great for capturing expansive landscapes.
* Telephoto lenses: Can compress the scene and create interesting effects.
4. Filters (Optional):
* Colored filters: Can be used to adjust the tone of specific elements in the black and white image. For example, a red filter can darken skies further.
* Neutral Density (ND) filters: Allow for longer exposures in bright light.
5. Weather:
* Sunny days: Provide the strongest IR effect, especially with puffy cumulus clouds.
* Overcast days: Can still work, but the effect will be more subtle.
IV. Post-Processing
1. Software: Use image editing software like Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, Capture One, or GIMP.
2. Basic Adjustments:
* White Balance: Adjust to achieve the desired tone. You may want to experiment with different white balance settings.
* Exposure: Adjust brightness as needed.
* Contrast: Increase contrast for a more dramatic look.
* Highlights/Shadows: Fine-tune these to balance the tones.
3. Black and White Conversion:
* Dedicated B&W conversion tools: (e.g., Photoshop's Black & White Adjustment Layer, Silver Efex Pro) offer precise control over tonal ranges.
* Channel Mixer: A powerful tool for controlling the tonal range of converted images. Experiment with different channel settings to get the look you want.
4. Tonal Adjustments:
* Curves: Fine-tune the overall contrast and tonal distribution.
* Levels: Adjust the black and white points.
5. Sharpening: Apply subtle sharpening to enhance details.
6. Dodging and Burning: Use these tools to selectively lighten or darken areas of the image.
7. Cleaning: Remove any dust spots or blemishes.
8. Vignetting: Add a subtle vignette to draw attention to the center of the image.
V. Tips and Tricks
* Experiment with Different Wavelengths: The effect of IR changes dramatically based on the wavelength.
* Practice Focusing: IR focusing can be tricky. Take test shots and review them carefully.
* Keep Your Lens Clean: Dust and fingerprints are more noticeable in IR images.
* Shoot in Different Lighting Conditions: See how IR renders the landscape under various conditions.
* Study the Work of Other IR Photographers: Learn from their techniques and get inspired.
* Hot Spots: Always take a few test shots with a new lens to make sure it doesn't produce "hot spots."
In summary, converting a camera to IR opens up exciting possibilities for black and white landscape photography. By understanding the principles of IR light, choosing the right equipment, and mastering post-processing techniques, you can create stunning and unique images.