So what is infrared photography? Infrared Photography is capturing invisible light that shows incredible after effects. The infrared wavelengths usually ranges from 750-900nm. Your naked eye sees things as they naturally are, but just like radio waves, ultraviolet rays, gamma rays, and microscopic germs you eyes are blind to infrared. Basically speaking you are simply blocking out visible light while letting the invisible light come inside the camera lens.

At first one might think that infrared is just like the good old black & white photography. Then after analyzing the results you will notice that the bright parts (like the Sky) are darker, while the commonly dark green acquire a bright glow. This creates such a surreal output, that is out of this world! First of all lets get one thing straight out of the gate, the human eye cannot see invisible light. Therefore you need to have some basic knowledge of what to look for prior to capturing the desired photograph.

The tools you need to achieve this task are:

Digital camera that is sensitive to infrared light.
A visible-light blocking filter.
Tripod for proper stabilization
Image editing software Gimp, Photoshop, or Aviary.
Patience and time.

The filter that you need will be called an IR Filter. The only difference between different types, is the range of wavelengths that filter allows. While the filter is attached to your camera, the viewfinder will not show you the infrared. All the filter does is block out the visible light. So you really have no idea how the image will come out after you snap the shot. The best way to be sure is to have a tripod or place the camera on a steady surface. The reason why most of the photographs are landscape based, is because photographers cannot you see what’s in focus.

Some people might get the idea that all of the images listed below came directly from the camera. This is completely false while the images taken with an infrared filter will give you the desired effect, you have alot more work to do back at home. The editing process will be the last part you will have to work on. There are many different kinds of paid/free image editing software on the market that will help you achieve this goal!

Just like your teacher or parents taught you, practice makes perfect. During your pioneering stage of infrared photography you might not produce award winning work. However do not give up! As experience begins to build up, you will start getting the hand of it and clearly understand how to take beautiful shots.

For more in-depth explanations and background of infrared photography, check out the following resources:

Photonotes.org
Wrotniak.net
Pbase.com
Heim.ifi.uio.no
Tutorial9.net