Infrared photography used to be a pain—not that I am speaking from experience. From what I’ve read, making infrared images required a special kind of film that had to be handled in absolute dark conditions, was very hard to expose correctly, and focusing was a nightmare. But the resulting images could be magical.

Infrared pictures in the digital age are a lot easier to make. With most digital cameras, you have to put a special filter over the lens while making your exposure, although there are some, I’ve learned, that have the capability for infrared exposure built in. Those cameras allow you to make an infrared exposure merely by making a menu choice. Whether you use a special filter over the lens or a built-in bypass mechanism, what reaches the sensor is only the infrared part of the spectrum.

The image above of Haydown Farms, near Norristown, PA, was shot with a Canon 10D using a Hoya R72 filter. If you didn’t know what it was and held this filter up to the light to look through it, you would think it transmits no light at all; it just looks black. But, in fact, it is transmitting infrared light. There are many web sites that go into the subject of infrared photography in detail. One that I have found helpful is http://www.dpfwiw.com/ir.htm. If you’re willing to invest in the filter, you can take some stunning pictures. (amazon.com lists the 77mm version for $239 today while the smaller 58mm version is far cheaper at $36)

Be aware, however, that not all cameras can capture infrared even with a filter over the lens and that the longer exposure times required with some cameras—like my Canon 10D—necessitate using a tripod. The site referred to above will tell you how to determine how useful your camera is when it comes to infrared. Some of the most ardent enthusiasts of infrared have their DSLRs modified just for this purpose. Cloudless skies are far more dramatic than overcast skies in infrared. Big puffy clouds in an otherwise blue sky are very dramatic.

I saw the book below on amazon while checking filter prices. I can’t personally recommend it because I haven’t read it. If you have, let me know.