If you’ve never tried on a pair of night vision glasses but always wondered what it would be like to see in the dark, you may have just found your answer. Infrared technology – the same thing that is used in night vision viewers can also be used with your everyday Digital-SLR camera.
Infrared photography is an interesting trick effect that you can do with your camera with the simple addition of a screw-on infrared filter. You don’t need the additional tools of Photoshop or any other editing software, the electronics of your camera is all you need.
Now that being said, I do have to offer the codicil that all cameras are able to take infrared pictures but all cameras also have an infrared light blocking filter in front of the camera’s sensor. Some of these filters are extremely strong and block out all infrared light while other cameras will allow some infrared light to pass through. You will have to experiment a bit to determine the sensitivity of your camera’s blocking filter.
As long as your camera is one that allows some IR light to pass, by placing a screw-on IR filter in front of your lens will result in you getting some very dramatic cool looking shots.
Infrared light is a spectrum of light that the human eye cannot see. It is also used in medical diagnostic equipment and other industrial devices.
This technique provides a very strong contrast boost and will really punch up some visual parts of your image. For example, clouds in the sky will take on strong distinct edges and appear more vibrant than they really are. The sky will appear darker and the clouds will get lighter but bold.
Infrared photography also does some very interesting things to nature shots. All grass, plants and leaves end up turning pure white almost as if they have a coating of snow on them.
All photos of people take on a unique look as well. Some would say these people come from a different planet, because all of their hair is blue in color. Any facial markings like freckles or pimples just seem to fade away leaving behind a perfectly smooth complexion. Strangely though, eyes will often appear black.
Photographic tricks and special effects are a bonus that goes along with owning a good DSLR camera. The technology of night vision goggles doesn’t have to be seen just be in the latest Hollywood blockbuster.
This is just another of many tools you can have in your photographer’s toolbox.
Wayne Burke, an experienced Media Arts professional, invites you to increase your knowledge of photography.
To learn more about techniques like this one, including videos, visit: https://www.glassesca.com/