Digital Infrared Photography: Get Creative with a Converted Camera!

By Deborah Sandidge

One of the things I like about my infrared converted camera is the versatility in capturing images. This camera was converted using an enhanced color infrared filter (665nm), which allows a little more visible light to reach the camera sensor.

I can convert the image to black and white for a traditional film look. Or, I can work creatively in Photoshop using infrared and the different look with color that this filter provides. This particular day was very overcast and windy, not a day one would consider typically good for digital infrared photography, but I liked the results.

In Photoshop, I used the Channel Mixer to swap colors, creating a "blue sky" look, next I decided to tone the overall image with a copper shade. There are a lot creative options in Photoshop with infrared images and many destinations to explore!

If you have upgraded to a new camera, and have an old one you're not using, give it new life with a conversion to an infrared imaging camera! You'll expand your photographic horizons and have fun in the process. Life Pixel will convert your camera using one of three different infrared filters, your choice, and you can use this code, DEB, for a discount.

Interested in taking a course? I teach digital infrared photography online at BetterPhoto.com. Also check out other online photo classes at BetterPhoto's digital photography school

Comments

[Tammy Newcomb]

What do you mean exactly when you say conversion to an infrared imaging camera exactly? I am very literal by holding the exact meaning to words...LOL. Okay, maybe that is one of the reasons my middle child has Aspergers/Autism. In all seriousness I need to get a better understanding of what you mean.

Tammy Newcomb

[Deborah Sandidge]

Hi Tammy,
You can have a digital camera converted to record infrared light, rather than color. Life Pixel and a few other companies can do this for you. The filter inside your digital cameras that blocks infrared (and ultraviolet) light is removed. It's replaced by an infrared filter that blocks most visible light, and allows infrared light to pass through to the camera sensor. The converted camera functions normally, but creates beautiful infrared images instead of color.
I hope this helps, and please feel free to contact me if I can expand or clarify on anything infrared.
Best,
Deborah Sandidge