Intro to Infrared

Open your eyes to a whole new spectrum of possibilities with this unique 3-part workshop on infrared photography.

Having your camera converted to shoot in infrared can seem like a big commitment, but this “leap of faith” unlocks the ability to see into an invisible world and capture surreal, ethereal fine art images that would be impossible otherwise. 

Our workshop explains the true nature of infrared photography and the conversion process, delves into the special considerations of shooting in this part of the spectrum, gives you on-location practice and supervision with your converted camera, and shares techniques for processing your images, both in color and monochrome.

Part 1 of the workshop takes place on Zoom on Wednesday September 17 at 7 PM Eastern Time. It will be jointly attended by students of the BlueHour Virtual Classroom, and it will be recorded for review and for those who cannot attend. In this session I will discuss the theory and technique of infrared photography, including what an infrared conversion entails, what options you have in selecting an IR conversion type, and how the different IR filter choices affect the rendering of your subjects; how to approach IR photography in real world situations, including how to evaluate light conditions, achieve proper white balance, and choose the appropriate settings; what you can expect from your images and how to proceed after making your first infrared captures.

Part 2 takes place at Mount Auburn Cemetery on September 20 at 1 PM (Additional time slots may be opened based on demand). This on-location session gives you practice in a setting that includes natural and man-made subjects under mid-day light, which is the ideal set of conditions for practicing IR photography. With my guidance and supervision, you’ll learn how to “see” what your camera will be capturing, achieve proper white balance, and practice shooting color and black and white images. This is a great location to take home some truly unique shots.

Part 3 takes place on Zoom on Thursday September 25 at 7PM Eastern Time. In this post-processing session, I will demonstrate how to unlock the endless creative potential of your infrared images, including how to channel swap your color IR images to make striking “false color” renditions, and how to get the most out of your black and white conversions to create stunning high-contrast masterpieces that have the look of classic IR film.