Digital Infrared Photography Information For First Time Photographers

The first question most new photographers or those simply interested in photography ask, is what digital infrared photography is. Although the method has been around for quite some time, it hasn't been easy enough to be widely achievable until digital cameras came around.

Digital infrared photography is done using invisible light. With the use of a few accessories and at least one digital camera, you're well on your way to creating digital infrared photos.

How Does Taking Pictures with Infrared Light Work?

As mentioned before, digital infrared photography works by using an invisible light to take pictures. All digital cameras are susceptible to infrared light, and actually come with a built in block to make sure the camera does not pick up infrared light when taking photos.

This in turn creates photos using only natural or flash light which makes them look real and shows us the true colors of surroundings, people, places and things that are photographed.

How Can I Take Digital Infrared Pictures?

There are a couple of ways you can go about digital infrared photography. Because IF (infrared) filters have become stronger and more effective as new cameras are released, finding an older digital camera that has a weak IF filter is one way to go. You can usually get some decent infrared shots with a digital camera that has a weak IF filter, but if you want more from your experience, another option might be best for you.

You can have the IF filter removed from a digital camera, making it possible take digital infrared photographs using any digital camera of your choice. However be warned that removing the IF filter can damage the camera, so pay a professional to do the job is definitely worth the time and money.

Finally, you can find add-ons for digital cameras to allow for digital infrared photos. They can be costly, but less expensive than purchasing a new camera. These add-ons are also a great way to get more than one digital camera to be able to take IF photos.

Some good backdrops to practice your digital infrared photography are forests, mountain ranges and beaches. You may find that taking simple pictures of things like houses and cars are a good way to get some practice in because it allows you to use a simple subject that can be shot many different times, without having to worry about changes in the way the different photos look except for the infrared lighting itself.