So, you're curious about infrared (IR) film photography? Awesome! It's a really cool and creative way to capture images that are totally different from what we normally see. Think surreal landscapes, ghostly foliage, and an overall dreamy vibe. But before you jump in, there are a few things you should know. Let's break it down, step by step, so you can start creating your own awesome IR images.

Understanding Infrared Light

Alright, let's get a little sciency for a moment, but I promise to keep it simple! Infrared light is part of the electromagnetic spectrum, just like the visible light we see every day. But, unlike visible light, we can't see infrared light with our naked eyes. It's beyond the red end of the spectrum (hence the name "infrared").

So, what's the big deal? Well, different materials reflect infrared light differently. This is what makes IR photography so unique. For example, healthy foliage reflects a lot of infrared light, which makes it appear bright white in IR photos – a phenomenon known as the "Wood Effect." This effect is named after Robert W. Wood, a pioneer in infrared photography who first documented this unusual appearance of foliage in infrared images. Think about that for a second – the leaves of a tree look completely different in infrared than they do in visible light!

Other materials, like water and certain fabrics, absorb infrared light, making them appear dark. By capturing these differences in reflection, you can create images with a very ethereal and otherworldly feel. Understanding how different materials interact with infrared light is key to planning your shots and achieving the look you want.

Now, you might be wondering, "How do I actually see this infrared light?" That's where the filters and special films come in, which we'll dive into next.

Gear Up: Film, Filters, and Cameras

Okay, let's talk about the stuff you'll need to actually do infrared film photography. It might seem a bit daunting at first, but don't worry, we'll go through it together. The most important elements are choosing the right film, selecting the appropriate filters, and understanding how your camera will behave with infrared light. There are many types of camera to consider to use for Infrared photography.

Infrared Film

First things first, you'll need infrared-sensitive film. Unfortunately, finding IR film these days can be a bit tricky because it's not as widely produced as it used to be. But don't worry, it's still out there! One of the most well-known IR films was Kodak HIE, but it's been discontinued for a while. However, some other options are still available, such as Rollei Infrared 400. This film offers a good balance of sensitivity and grain, making it a popular choice for IR photography. Another option is the Ilford SFX 200, which has extended red sensitivity and can produce infrared-like effects with the appropriate filters, but it is not a true infrared film.

Each film has its own characteristics, like sensitivity to different wavelengths of infrared light and grain structure. Some films are more sensitive than others, which means you'll need to adjust your exposure settings accordingly. And the grain structure will affect the overall look of your photos. Experimenting with different films is a great way to find the one that suits your style.

Infrared Filters

Next up, you'll need an infrared filter. This is what blocks most of the visible light and only lets the infrared light through to the film. IR filters come in different strengths, usually indicated by a number. A common filter is the 720nm filter, which blocks all visible light below 720 nanometers. The higher the number, the more visible light is blocked, and the stronger the infrared effect will be. Other common filters include 760nm, 830nm, and even higher. It's important to note that when you put an infrared filter on your lens, you will no longer be able to see through the viewfinder on most cameras. This is because the filter blocks almost all visible light.

When selecting an IR filter, consider the type of effect you want to achieve. A lower nanometer filter (like 720nm) will allow some visible red light to pass through, resulting in a slightly less intense IR effect and a hint of color in your images. A higher nanometer filter (like 830nm) will block almost all visible light, resulting in a stronger IR effect and black and white images. Keep in mind that using different filters will dramatically change the outcome of your photographs.

Cameras

Now, let's talk cameras. You can use pretty much any film camera for infrared photography, but some are better suited than others. The key thing to consider is the camera's film advance mechanism. Some cameras use infrared light to detect the film's position, which can fog the film and ruin your shots. If you're not sure whether your camera uses infrared light for film advance, it's best to do some research or test it out with a roll of regular film first.

Older, fully mechanical cameras are generally the safest bet because they don't rely on any electronic sensors. But if you want to use a more modern camera, you might need to cover the film advance window with some electrical tape to block any potential infrared light leaks.

Important Note: Digital cameras can also be used for infrared photography, but they require modification to remove the IR blocking filter that is typically placed in front of the sensor. This modification is permanent and will make the camera only suitable for infrared photography. If you're interested in digital IR photography, it's best to purchase a camera that has already been modified for this purpose.

Shooting and Metering: Tips and Tricks

Alright, you've got your film, your filter, and your camera. Now it's time to go out and shoot! But before you do, here are a few tips and tricks to help you get the best results:

• Metering: One of the trickiest things about IR photography is metering. Because infrared light is invisible to most light meters, your camera's built-in meter will often give you incorrect readings. The best way to meter for IR is to use a handheld light meter that is sensitive to infrared light. However, these meters can be expensive and difficult to find. Another option is to use the Sunny 16 rule as a starting point and then adjust your exposure based on your experience and the specific film and filter you're using.
• Exposure Compensation: You'll almost always need to use exposure compensation when shooting IR film. As a general rule of thumb, start by overexposing by 2-3 stops. But the exact amount of compensation will depend on the film, the filter, and the lighting conditions. Experimentation is key!
• Focusing: Infrared light focuses on a different plane than visible light, which means your focus might be slightly off when using an IR filter. Some lenses have an infrared focusing mark (usually a red dot or line) that you can use to adjust your focus. If your lens doesn't have this mark, you can try focusing slightly in front of your subject.
• Composition: Think about how different materials will appear in infrared. Foliage will be bright, water will be dark, and clouds will pop. Use these differences to create interesting and dynamic compositions.
• Lighting: Bright, sunny days are ideal for IR photography. The more infrared light available, the stronger the effect will be. But be careful not to overexpose your shots, especially when shooting in bright sunlight.

Remember, practice makes perfect. Don't be discouraged if your first few rolls don't turn out exactly as you hoped. Keep experimenting with different settings and techniques, and you'll eventually develop a feel for how to get the results you want.

Developing and Scanning: Completing the Process

So, you've shot your roll of infrared film. Now what? Well, you'll need to develop it, just like any other black and white film. You can either develop it yourself or take it to a lab. If you're developing it yourself, be sure to use the correct developer and follow the instructions carefully.

A note about developing: Handle the film in complete darkness when loading it onto the developing reel, as infrared film is sensitive to light. Once the film is fixed, it can be exposed to normal room light.

Once the film is developed, you'll need to scan it to create digital images. You can use a flatbed scanner or a dedicated film scanner. If you're using a flatbed scanner, be sure to use a film holder to keep the film flat and prevent Newton rings. And if you're using a dedicated film scanner, be sure to select the correct film type and resolution.

After scanning, you can make some basic adjustments in Photoshop or other image editing software. You might want to adjust the contrast, brightness, and sharpness. But try not to overdo it, as you want to preserve the unique look of infrared film. Some photographers also like to add a slight sepia tone to their IR images to enhance the vintage feel.

Embrace the Unexpected

Infrared film photography is all about experimentation and embracing the unexpected. You never quite know what you're going to get, and that's part of the fun! So, don't be afraid to try new things and push the boundaries of what's possible. Explore different locations, experiment with different filters and films, and develop your own unique style. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process. So go out there and start creating some awesome infrared images!

Infrared film photography offers a unique artistic outlet, allowing photographers to capture scenes in a way that transcends ordinary vision. The blend of technical knowledge and creative experimentation makes it an engaging pursuit for both seasoned film enthusiasts and newcomers alike. By understanding the properties of infrared light, carefully selecting equipment, and mastering shooting and development techniques, photographers can unlock the surreal and ethereal beauty of the infrared spectrum, creating images that captivate and inspire.