Infrared Basics

[Camera Slug]

Hello all,

I'm considering getting away from the city and the woman to go on a solo photo shoot in Maine this weekend.

I might stop by my local photo store after work today to buy an infrared filter and some ND filters.

Although I've performed a search, it seems the infrared info is scattered all over the place.

I was hoping for a brief overview of the basics...what you recommend buying (what I need), the process of shooting IR and some basic tips. It would be nice to have this summary in one thread.

Thanks in advance everyone.

Camera Slug

--
Camera Slug
Gallery: http://www.pbase.com/cameraslug

 

[kudbegud]

here's 3 i have at hand:

http://www.irdreams.com/
http://wrotniak.net/photo/infrared/
http://echeng.com/photo/infrared/

i hope this helps
--
kudbegud
you pay for what you get, but you don't always get what you paid for.
F707,TCON-14B,MCON-35,ETX-90 http://www.pbase.com/kudbegud/galleries
http://www.photosig.com/userphotos.php?id=2471

 

[Steven Painter]

I might stop by my local photo store after work today to buy an
infrared filter and some ND filters.

I was hoping for a brief overview of the basics...what you
recommend buying (what I need), the process of shooting IR and some
basic tips. It would be nice to have this summary in one thread.

My equipment:
B+W 093 IR filter (equivalent to Wratten 87C)
B+W 0.9ND filter (8x)
B+W 0.6ND filter (4x)

With nightshot mode on you can take handheld shots in daylight using the IR filter plus one or two of the ND filters depending on the brightness. You may need to cover the IR emitters on the front (I can't see their reflection in these filters in daylight, but others might).

With nightshot mode off, you'll have more manual control of the camera, but you'll need long exposure times for enough light to hit the CCD. Don't use an ND filter, and DO use a tripod.

I haven't done any experimenting with regular mode and a tripod yet, but here's a link to one of my pics using the first method and post processing done in Photoshop.

http://www.photosig.com/viewphoto.php?id=101758

Steve

 

[Steven Painter]

Oh, and ISO 100 when you're using Nightshot mode. You might also reduce the exposure to -2.

Steve

 

[JohnK]

I was hoping for a brief overview of the basics...what you
recommend buying (what I need), the process of shooting IR and some
basic tips. It would be nice to have this summary in one thread.

Attach 58mm Wratten 87C Infrared filter plus ND.6 and ND.4 filters to f707 camera
Set camera to AUTO Exposure
Set Camera to Nightshot
Set ISO to 100
Set EV to -2
Take pictures, slight underexposure is prefered
Desaturate pics in PS
Levels Adjust to pics in PS



--
JohnK

 

[Samuel Pyrtle]

Thanks Slug....

For suggesting this-

I am a new F707 owner (and loving it) and am VERY VERY interested in getting into some IR photography - but like you, I have read a bunch of threads and the info is all-over the place -

Kudos to the people who have helped get this info in ONE place.

Thank you ALL!

=)
Sam

Hello all,

I'm considering getting away from the city and the woman to go on a
solo photo shoot in Maine this weekend.

I might stop by my local photo store after work today to buy an
infrared filter and some ND filters.

Although I've performed a search, it seems the infrared info is
scattered all over the place.

I was hoping for a brief overview of the basics...what you
recommend buying (what I need), the process of shooting IR and some
basic tips. It would be nice to have this summary in one thread.

Thanks in advance everyone.

Camera Slug

--
Camera Slug
Gallery: http://www.pbase.com/cameraslug

--
Sam Pyrtle
[email protected]

 

[ZipperZ]

Hey CamSlug,
I'll just add some more info to the above posts.

There is 2 ways you can shoot IR.

To me i dont look at it as either handheld or not or with ND filters or without. I look at it as do i want to shoot at F2 or F8.

1) In automode with nightshot your limited to the small DOF of F2 (ND filters will be needed depending on sunlight)

• advantage: you can shoot moving objects and use handheld.

2) In full manual mode you can obtain full DOF of F8 (Tripod will be needed because of slow shutter speeds)

• advantage: full DOF gives you better focus depth especially on landscape and scenery shots.

Hello all,

I'm considering getting away from the city and the woman to go on a
solo photo shoot in Maine this weekend.

I might stop by my local photo store after work today to buy an
infrared filter and some ND filters.

Although I've performed a search, it seems the infrared info is
scattered all over the place.

I was hoping for a brief overview of the basics...what you
recommend buying (what I need), the process of shooting IR and some
basic tips. It would be nice to have this summary in one thread.

Thanks in advance everyone.

Camera Slug

--
Camera Slug
Gallery: http://www.pbase.com/cameraslug

--
cheers
Zip
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
BFS: been there had that...got the t-shirt
Sticker Status: ON...but on upsidedown
Pie Chute: UnCorked
Lens Cap: No dangle at any angle
128mem stick: lost
Real Name: Michael C
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -



'this fits me to a T'

 

[Shay Stephens]

But night shot does not work in manual mode, so to use F8 in infrared, you would have to modify the cameras internal IR filter or choose a different camera to use.

--
Shay

My Sony F707 Gallery: http://www.shaystephens.com/portfolio.asp

 

[ZipperZ]

But night shot does not work in manual mode, so to use F8 in
infrared, you would have to modify the cameras internal IR filter
or choose a different camera to use.

Yes shay...you are correct...'nightshot' does not work in manual mode. If you read my "#2" again i did not mention 'nightshot'. I personally perfer to shoot in "full manual" mode with F8.

I have some comparison shots i'll have to upload and show you.

My tests were of scenery using both IR methods. The tripod and F8 was by far better than the handheld F2 with ND filters. Its something that doesnt take a genius to figure out. Thats why it was so easy for me : )
lol

--
cheers
Zip
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
BFS: been there had that...got the t-shirt
Sticker Status: ON...but on upsidedown
Pie Chute: UnCorked
Lens Cap: No dangle at any angle
128mem stick: lost
Real Name: Michael C
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -



'this fits me to a T'

 

[Steven Painter]

I have some comparison shots i'll have to upload and show you.
My tests were of scenery using both IR methods. The tripod and F8
was by far better than the handheld F2 with ND filters. Its
something that doesnt take a genius to figure out. Thats why it was
so easy for me : )
lol

I've not had the chance to try this method out (beyond a quick handheld-blurred-beyond-belief long exposure to check if the 707 was capable of it. I'd really like to see some examples because I'd like to get greater DOF in my shots. Still learning and experimenting, but it's great fun.

Steve

 

[Shay Stephens]

Just so my slow and plodding brain can understand what you are saying...
You are saying you are taking IR photos with the camera in F8?

I have not tried doing this, but I will try now. Any info or clarification greatly desired ;-)

--
Shay

My Sony F707 Gallery: http://www.shaystephens.com/portfolio.asp

 

[Steven Painter]

Shay, the hot mirror in the 707 doesn't completely cut out IR. It's pretty good at what it does though, so really long exposures are necessary for this method to work. I'm looking forward to trying this method out after the clouds here decide to leave.

Steve

 

[Doug Thompson]

Camera Slug--

Pick up at least the 87 IR filter-- 87C is better.

In NightShot mode, use at least a circular polarizer or 2-stop ND to help out-- but your pics may still be overblown depending on how bright the scene is.

In non-NightShot, Manual mode, use a tripod and experiment with exposure as typical.

Use something to block the IR emitters (I used a ring cut out of a DVD case that is IR opaque).

Visit my site for some examples, if you want (all shot with NightShot + 87C +CP):
http://users.adelphia.net/~popedoug/

Mostly, have fun!
Doug.

Hello all,

I'm considering getting away from the city and the woman to go on a
solo photo shoot in Maine this weekend.

I might stop by my local photo store after work today to buy an
infrared filter and some ND filters.

 

[Samuel Pyrtle]

Zipper:

When you take a IR pic at F8 - do you use any filters?

Could you please explain a little more for me please - I am a little confused. I have never taken an IR photo - but I would like to start.

So - At F8 - what do you do to get that IR shot?

Thanks....
Your Local STF Dummy,
Sam

But night shot does not work in manual mode, so to use F8 in
infrared, you would have to modify the cameras internal IR filter
or choose a different camera to use.

Yes shay...you are correct...'nightshot' does not work in manual
mode. If you read my "#2" again i did not mention 'nightshot'. I
personally perfer to shoot in "full manual" mode with F8.

I have some comparison shots i'll have to upload and show you.
My tests were of scenery using both IR methods. The tripod and F8
was by far better than the handheld F2 with ND filters. Its
something that doesnt take a genius to figure out. Thats why it was
so easy for me : )
lol

--
cheers
Zip
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
BFS: been there had that...got the t-shirt
Sticker Status: ON...but on upsidedown
Pie Chute: UnCorked
Lens Cap: No dangle at any angle
128mem stick: lost
Real Name: Michael C
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -



'this fits me to a T'

--
Sam Pyrtle
[email protected]

 

[Hofy]

This is a very good site if your are going to be starting in Infrared.

http://www.cliffshade.com/dpfwiw/ir.htm

Hello all,

I'm considering getting away from the city and the woman to go on a
solo photo shoot in Maine this weekend.

I might stop by my local photo store after work today to buy an
infrared filter and some ND filters.

Although I've performed a search, it seems the infrared info is
scattered all over the place.

I was hoping for a brief overview of the basics...what you
recommend buying (what I need), the process of shooting IR and some
basic tips. It would be nice to have this summary in one thread.

Thanks in advance everyone.

Camera Slug

--
Camera Slug
Gallery: http://www.pbase.com/cameraslug

--
I have Duct Tape and I am not afraid to use it.

 

[Philly Wood]

I have read Zippers "option" 2 and believe he is using ND filters to achieve an "infrared" look.

For clarity I just tried a couple manual long exposure shots (5 seconds and 10 seconds with both an F2 and F8 aperture) with a Hoya RM90 (= 87c or 093) filter installed on the Sony 707.

I get 100% black in both "NIGHT FRAMING and REGULAR". In NIGHTSHOT I do get the typical IR look.

I previously shot 15 bracketed sets of images using an assortment of ND filters vs the RM90 in bright sunlight to show the differences between ND and IR filters.
http://www.pbase.com/blazingservers/infrared_vs_nd_filters

Here are Zippers 2 options.

1) In automode with nightshot your limited to the small DOF of F2 (ND filters will be needed depending on sunlight)

2) In full manual mode you can obtain full DOF of F8 (Tripod will be needed because of slow shutter speeds)

Shay, the hot mirror in the 707 doesn't completely cut out IR. It's
pretty good at what it does though, so really long exposures are
necessary for this method to work. I'm looking forward to trying
this method out after the clouds here decide to leave.

--
-photoave
http://phillywood.com Images of the 156 mile First Union US Pro Bike Race

 

[ZipperZ]

Just so my slow and plodding brain can understand what you are
saying...
You are saying you are taking IR photos with the camera in F8?

I have not tried doing this, but I will try now. Any info or
clarification greatly desired ;-)

yes my man shay!
your brain activity is going in the right direction.

"IF" the 707 did not have "nightshot" the best way to shoot IR is in manual mode with either 'aperture priority' or 'full manual'. ( disclaimer ...take it, your shooting landscapes/scenery and you would like the best DOF you can get(F8) which only makes sense when shooting landscapes)
Yeah, you can shoot in full auto if you want but you'll only have a DOF of F2.

The BIG advantage of having "nightshot" is the ability to "SEE" what your shooting thru the LCD. But you'll need the ND filters to tone down the possibility of overexposing your shot while in nightframing mode. And because of the "nighshot" ability in the 707, this gives you the bonus of shooting handheld because of the 'faster' shutter speeds.

Here some average numbers for and average sunny day.
Manual mode (apert prior or full man)
at f4 - f8, shutter speeds will be from aprox 2secs to 8secs

Auto mode with "nightshot" (require ND filters)
aperture will be at f2 and shutter speeds flutter from 1/40th to 1/60th sec.

Now, im from old school photography and im a firm believer that too many filters will defeat the purpose of trying to achieve a great detailed shot. And when your shooting black and white, details is what its all about.

I cant seem to pull myself to want to shoot in "auto/nightshot" mode with one or more ND filters, polarizer, skylight and the IR filter too. Give or take a filter or two.

i hope all this helps.

--
cheers
Zip
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
BFS: been there had that...got the t-shirt
Sticker Status: ON...but on upsidedown
Pie Chute: UnCorked
Lens Cap: No dangle at any angle
128mem stick: lost
Real Name: Michael C
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -



'this fits me to a T'

 

[Camera Slug]

Thanks all! This has been most helpful. Now I just need to open up the 'ole wallet.

Just so my slow and plodding brain can understand what you are
saying...
You are saying you are taking IR photos with the camera in F8?

I have not tried doing this, but I will try now. Any info or
clarification greatly desired ;-)

yes my man shay!
your brain activity is going in the right direction.
"IF" the 707 did not have "nightshot" the best way to shoot IR is
in manual mode with either 'aperture priority' or 'full manual'.
( disclaimer ...take it, your shooting landscapes/scenery and you
would like the best DOF you can get(F8) which only makes sense when
shooting landscapes)
Yeah, you can shoot in full auto if you want but you'll only have a
DOF of F2.
The BIG advantage of having "nightshot" is the ability to "SEE"
what your shooting thru the LCD. But you'll need the ND filters to
tone down the possibility of overexposing your shot while in
nightframing mode. And because of the "nighshot" ability in the
707, this gives you the bonus of shooting handheld because of the
'faster' shutter speeds.

Here some average numbers for and average sunny day.
Manual mode (apert prior or full man)
at f4 - f8, shutter speeds will be from aprox 2secs to 8secs

Auto mode with "nightshot" (require ND filters)
aperture will be at f2 and shutter speeds flutter from 1/40th to
1/60th sec.

Now, im from old school photography and im a firm believer that too
many filters will defeat the purpose of trying to achieve a great
detailed shot. And when your shooting black and white, details is
what its all about.

I cant seem to pull myself to want to shoot in "auto/nightshot"
mode with one or more ND filters, polarizer, skylight and the IR
filter too. Give or take a filter or two.

i hope all this helps.

--
cheers
Zip
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
BFS: been there had that...got the t-shirt
Sticker Status: ON...but on upsidedown
Pie Chute: UnCorked
Lens Cap: No dangle at any angle
128mem stick: lost
Real Name: Michael C
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -



'this fits me to a T'

--
Camera Slug
Gallery: http://www.pbase.com/cameraslug

 

[ZipperZ]

I have read Zippers "option" 2 and believe he is using ND filters
to achieve an "infrared" look.

For clarity I just tried a couple manual long exposure shots (5
seconds and 10 seconds with both an F2 and F8 aperture) with a Hoya
RM90 (= 87c or 093) filter installed on the Sony 707.
I get 100% black in both "NIGHT FRAMING and REGULAR". In NIGHTSHOT
I do get the typical IR look.

Photoave, you can shoot in manual mode with just the IR filter. Its gotta be a really sunny day and try using ISO400 too.
You can also shooting at f4 or f4.5,f5.0, etc for better results.

I previously shot 15 bracketed sets of images using an assortment
of ND filters vs the RM90 in bright sunlight to show the
differences between ND and IR filters.
http://www.pbase.com/blazingservers/infrared_vs_nd_filters

Here are Zippers 2 options.
1) In automode with nightshot your limited to the small DOF of F2
(ND filters will be needed depending on sunlight)

2) In full manual mode you can obtain full DOF of F8 (Tripod will
be needed because of slow shutter speeds)

Shay, the hot mirror in the 707 doesn't completely cut out IR. It's
pretty good at what it does though, so really long exposures are
necessary for this method to work. I'm looking forward to trying
this method out after the clouds here decide to leave.

--
-photoave
http://phillywood.com Images of the 156 mile First Union US Pro
Bike Race

--
cheers
Zip
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
BFS: been there had that...got the t-shirt
Sticker Status: ON...but on upsidedown
Pie Chute: UnCorked
Lens Cap: No dangle at any angle
128mem stick: lost
Real Name: Michael C
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -



'this fits me to a T'

 

[Camera Slug]

Would someone please forward me names of reputable web sites that sell B&W, Tiffen, etc. filters?

B&H Photo is sold out of .4 ND filters, so I'd like to try elsewhere.

Thanks,
Dale

Hello all,

I'm considering getting away from the city and the woman to go on a
solo photo shoot in Maine this weekend.

I might stop by my local photo store after work today to buy an
infrared filter and some ND filters.

Although I've performed a search, it seems the infrared info is
scattered all over the place.

I was hoping for a brief overview of the basics...what you
recommend buying (what I need), the process of shooting IR and some
basic tips. It would be nice to have this summary in one thread.

Thanks in advance everyone.

Camera Slug

--
Camera Slug
Gallery: http://www.pbase.com/cameraslug

--
Camera Slug
Gallery: http://www.pbase.com/cameraslug