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Infrared photography examples | How to Shoot IR Film | Shooting Tips | Developing IR Film
Shot with FPP InfraChrome Color Infrared Film The photos below are shot with Canon A-1, 28mm lens with a #12 yellow filter at f/11. The film is FPP’s Color Infrared Film, a true color positive infrared film that produces a color slide. FPP’s InfraChrome Color Infrared Film is identical to Kodak Aerochrome IIII 1443 and batch-tested, fresh and cold stored.
The Infrared-sensitive process was developed during World War 1 by the United States to improve aerial intelligence photography through the haze. It was adapted for astronomy in the 1930’s and currently used in aerial survey applications such as vegetation and forestry surveys.
We encourage you to experiment. Don’t overthink it… or get the “Film Sweats”.
Environmental issues play a role in infrared film photography because it’s highly dependent on the strength of the infrared radiation present, only shoot in sunlight. When the sun is low (morning or late afternoon) the infrared radiation is much higher.
In order to achieve the in-camera color effect, you’ll need a color filter. It’s recommended that you shoot with a #12 yellow filter which is the filter used on the images above. Many shooters also experiment with orange or red filters. This will give you varied results (see below). When not using a filter the film behaves like a normal film with no special characteristics.
Filters on IR Film – Yellow Filter, Red Filter, Orange Filter. (left to right)
Source: alternativephotography.com Making the most of Kodak aerochrome
Best to manage expectations and proceed with an experimental attitude.
For Infrared Film Photography, use a camera that does not auto advance film (Auto load cameras use small LED lights to detect and count frames and will cause light leaks and potentially fog film). Use a camera that DOES NOT have LED sensors that detect the DX Code but a manual ISO/ASA setting. Examples: Canon Ae1, Pentax K1000, Nikon F series, Olympus Trip 35…
Infrared Film Photography requires a color filter, otherwise, film behaves like a normal film.
IR film is very sensitive to light should be kept in its light tight black canister. Load in a dark area and if your camera has a window on the back, use black tape to eliminate light leaks and fogging.
The infrared film needs IR light and sunlight is the best source of IR light. Low sun (morning or late afternoon) has much higher infrared radiation. Shooting in shade (or backlit) or inside will produce poor results. Artificial lighting (Except tungsten halogen light) only emit visible light and will not give any IR effect.
Each manufacturer provides ISO values for you to try. Because your light meter reads light, not IR, You’ll have to guess and bracket. Because the ratio of IR to visible light is always changing, a set ISO value won’t work consistently.
Infrared light does not focus at the same point as visible light and is called an infrared focus shift. Older cameras and lens are best for infrared film photography and they will typically have a red line, dot or an “R” to help adjust for this infrared focus shift.
This is the infrared focus mark. It indicates how far you need to rotate the focus ring to achieve correct focus in infrared light.
See video below for more details
If you’re shooting at f/8 or higher, you shouldn’t need to IR focus shift. If in question, we recommend shooting at f/8 or higher on a wide angle lens and trying to photograph subjects that are far enough away to be at your lenses infinity.
Nope! Aside from a Sony Nightshot camcorder mishap in 1998 and some long wavelength IR surveillance cameras that can see through cotton clothing, IR film cannot see through clothes.
Develop your Infrared Film at The Darkroom
Important Note: Many labs don’t offer E-6 film processing and the ones that do can’t handle Color Infrared Film. If you’re not using The Darkroom to process your Infrared Film, make sure you speak to your lab prior to sending your film.
Special thanks to Film Photography Project
for their InfraChrome Color Infrared Film
Lifepixel.com explains the differences in how visible light and infrared light are focused by normal camera lenses. Shows how infrared focus marks are used and how often there are more than just one mark on somes lens.
Information Sources:
Alternative Photography | Film Photography Project | plaza.ufl.edu/jenj | WikiPedia