FIrst shots with Infrared XT!!!

[Blue S2]

So I finally got a chance to go out with my infrared-only XT. Lifepixel.com did the conversion! Purely awesome! They were the best to deal with!

It was very liberating being able to just shoot in infrared without a tripod, shutter release, R72 filter, and eternity length shutter for every shot.

All these were shot with the XT and a 24-105L.

http://gallery.soundvisionpassion.com/gallery/2686742#186868545
http://gallery.soundvisionpassion.com/gallery/2686742#186868489
http://gallery.soundvisionpassion.com/gallery/2686742#186868563
http://gallery.soundvisionpassion.com/gallery/2686742#186868661
http://gallery.soundvisionpassion.com/gallery/2686742#186868680

Excuse the gallery links, it was just a quick way to sort out my new ones from the R72 shots.

I can't wait to attach the 100mm Macro and see what I can do!

[producerism]

very nice. excuse the question, but what's the advantage of converting, and shooting in infrared, as opposed to pp?

[CyberDyneSystems]

Some cool shots in there Blue! Keep em coming!

[Blue S2]

Well, they still need some post processing. (a lot less insane than IR-film however!)

Basically IR light gives you a different image. As does shooting in UV light. UV light is even cooler as many plants and stuff actually have markings not visible in IR or visible. I personally prefer the look of IR light photographs. Especially people. Different colors and a naturalness that post processing just can't always replicate is one of the advantages I see. I have seen several "IR photoshop methods" and none have given me the results of true IR.

Personal preference is what it comes down to. A lot of my infrareds require very little retouching after the shot. Why spend hours trying to achieve a look that might not work out when I can shoot it in camera the way I want?

Yeah, so I guess it really comes down to me just enjoying IR shooting better than color.

[zippy25]

Really cool shots. They are really intriguing to me!!

Another dumb question, but is this a setting that I can do on my camera?

[zippy25]

A second dumb question. When would I know to use his technique? Anytime of day? What type of settings/light am I looking for in order to be successful at this technique?

[Blue S2]

Um...not "technically."

If you browse for "infrared digital photography" you will find loads of info on google and similar.

For a standard camera, such as my 5D, this was my procedure.

1. Take custom white balance from nearby green object, Compose photo, set tripod
2. Adjust ISO to 400 or 800 depending how bright it was outside
3. Attach shutter release or use timer, set mirror lock-up.
4. Focus camera, then adjust to infrared focus point on lens
5. Put R72 filter over lens
6. Take 8 second picture and observe histogram
7. Adjust shutter length until "proper" exposure is achieved

With noise removal in camera on, each shot takes between 30 seconds and 1 minute the way I was doing them before. The filter blocks you from seeing anything in the viewfinder.

With an IR camera, you use it like its a normal camera. Fast shutter speed, low ISO, view through the viewfinder, handheld, etc... There would be no way to do IR sports with a filter. With an IR camera you can, for example.

[Blue S2]

To be successful, depends on your idea of success. Basically, the "cliche" IR shots are of vast landscape scenes with a bright blue sky and clouds and lots of green foliage. The green turns to white, the blue sky goes black, and the white clouds stay white.

I find I can shoot at noon and get better looking shots than if I were shooting visible light. I find the harsh shadows often lend themselves to IR. However, an IR camera works anywhere, inside or out. You can really use it like a normal camera taking into mind composition, light quality, settings, etc...

I don't do anything differently with this camera than I would with my 5D. I just get a different look. Often the same seen that is boring in visible light takes on a whole different feel in IR. Its just another way to be creative I figure.

[zippy25]

WOW!! Thanks for the quick tutorial. Your shots have inspired me to try this!! Thanks!!

[Blue S2]

The easiest way is a 50 1.8 and R72 filter. The 52mm filter is cheap. The 77mm I bought right after was quite expensive. I got it on ebay for about half price. Search the forums for IR lenses. Some lenses do not work with the filters and leave big overexposed hot spots in the center of the frame. The 35L, 24-105L, and 50 1.8 definitely work. The only problem with the 50mm is that its almost telephoto on a crop. Then again, some people don't mind it. I do 80% of my pictures at 50mm or wider on a full frame digital or film. The 50 is way too long for me on a crop body.

Its a lot of fun though. The only thing that gets annoying with the filter is motion blur in long exposures. In a 15 second exposure, you often get trees looking like cotton in a lot of shots because of wind. Noise from high ISO and long exposure are also annoying, so so it helps to have some noise removal software too.

[Blue S2]

http://lifepixel.com/digital-infrared/digital-infrared-photography-instructions.html

Helpful, quick tutorial on processing an IR.

[zippy25]

Cool!! Thanks for the link!

[zippy25]

The easiest way is a 50 1.8 and R72 filter. The 52mm filter is cheap. The 77mm I bought right after was quite expensive. I got it on ebay for about half price. Search the forums for IR lenses. Some lenses do not work with the filters and leave big overexposed hot spots in the center of the frame. The 35L, 24-105L, and 50 1.8 definitely work. The only problem with the 50mm is that its almost telephoto on a crop. Then again, some people don't mind it. I do 80% of my pictures at 50mm or wider on a full frame digital or film. The 50 is way too long for me on a crop body.

Its a lot of fun though. The only thing that gets annoying with the filter is motion blur in long exposures. In a 15 second exposure, you often get trees looking like cotton in a lot of shots because of wind. Noise from high ISO and long exposure are also annoying, so so it helps to have some noise removal software too.
Wow, I am not sure my brain can keep up with this. Thank you very much for the great info!!

[Blue S2]

Oh, whats really funny is if someone asks what you are taking pictures of, and you give them the Infrared light explanation. They are always extremely intrigued and surprised. They also then think you are running around with a very scientific piece of equipment. Its entertaining.

[zippy25]

Oh, whats really funny is if someone asks what you are taking pictures of, and you give them the Infrared light explanation. They are always extremely intrigued and surprised. They also then think you are running around with a very scientific piece of equipment. Its entertaining.
That's funny!!:D

[Cobra351]

Congrats on the new "toy" there! Good looking shots so far, keep them coming!

[Turntablist]

wow nice photos.

questions: can IR filters have the same effect as the modified body?

where can you purchase IR and UV cameras without having to send out for it? seems real cool

[delinian]

Blue S2, nice gallery. I think I'm going to play with macro, might be interesting!

[Blue S2]

You can purchase premodded cameras at MaxMax.com. They are also highly recommended in IR. And the prices are not really any different than if you bought a camera and had it sent out.

IR filters do the same thing as a modded body...with drastic limitation. With a filter, your average exposure time will run from 3 seconds to 30 seconds or more depending on sun brightness and ISO. I've run 800 ISO in direct noon light to achieve an 8 second exposure. That really sucks after a while.

A modded cam takes "normal" exposure. I was shooting the other day at 100 ISO at shutter speeds between 1/80 and 1/350 and it wasnt even sunny! That makes a huge difference in the subjects you can shoot.

Those insect shots would be impossible with a filter. People are extremely difficult. (the people in my early filter shots are me.) Sports and action is virtually impossible with a filter.

I also was taking night shots last night in IR. I didn't know you could do this. I though it only worked in the day. Well, if I need 8 seconds in the day with a filter, forget night! But yeah, I cant wait to explorer night time IR with this camera!

[ramirez.photo]

Nice shots!
If I can find a cheap XT body, I might just have to do this so I can play around myself :)

[Blue S2]

Check ebay, you should be able to get a body only for between $350 and $450. Lots of decent used ones and Canon Refurbished. Mine was a Refurb.

[jdizzle]

Cool shots Blue! I have yet to dive into IR photography. Good job on these!