Tips for IR photography? (esp. with the G2)

Hi guys,

I got myself a Hoya R72 infrared filter (and unbeknownst to me, put my checking account into overdraft) and not a clue with to do with it. I'd love to achieve what others have with it, but I'm still very much a noob. I've read that IR on the G2 is especially difficult, but I'm willing to learn, although I haven't found much info online.

Anyone with links, advice or shooting and post-processing tips they'd like to share, please please do

Thanks.

Hi!

I don't have my Hoya R72 yet but I really wish to get one!!! I read some stuff about shooting IR pictures (I have a G5). Here is an article I found quite good:

http://dpfwiw.com/ir.h​tm

I think it's not so diffucult to take IR pictures with the G2. It became much more difficult with the G3 and the G5 (from what I read and saw on the net).

I would say: if you have the filter, just shoot! Trying will just cost you a bit of time (and disk space!) but I believe it's fun!

Thanks! Very helpful link! :P

My best tip would be to manually focus. Some people say, to focus before you put the filter on, but in my experiences, the focus shifts after the filter is put on, and it won't be as sharp as if you focused manually. Just my opinion though, I guess putting the filter on after works for some people, but it hasn't for me, so I stick to doing it the hard way. It can be a bit tedious to focus manually with a G2, but the results are much better in my opinion.

Also, I would say as you start experimenting, begin shooting in aperture priority. Open it up, and focus. After you get accustomed to your exposure requirements with that filter, you'll probably get better results shooting manual. With the filter on, I usually know better than the camera on how to set the exposure. I usually let the camera meter, then adjust the exposure +2/3-1 stop.

At such a wide aperture, you may have to take two shots... one focused for the foreground, and one for the background. Then blend them in PS. That's the only way to get a large DOF with such a wide aperture. That's what I did for this shot. I didn't start using that technique until I got kind of bored with IR, so a lot of my earlier shots would have been better had I used it. Oh well, live and learn. I'm sure I'll get on another IR kick someday.

Oh, of course, ALWAYS use a custom white balance. Much cleaner images, and it will help to reduce exposure time. Have fun.

Thanks, Laz. Helpful tips indeed.

*worships* 8)

S1 IS?

Is the S1 IS capable of taking IR photographs?