There are many advantages associated with the use of a digital camera. Those advantages include ease of use, the immediate viewing of the pictures taken, downloading the picture through a software program that is installed on a computer, modifying the picture, savings realized by not needing to develop film, etc.
Another option that the digital camera user has is to utilize digital infrared photography. Digital infrared photography is a unique way of taking photographs utilizing a digital camera and an infrared lens. Therefore, when considering utilizing digital infrared photography it is important to choose the right camera and select the right infrared filter.
What Is Digital Infrared Photography?
The infrared spectrum is that range of light that is not normally visible to the naked eye. This fact coupled with the reality that digital cameras react to the infrared spectrum allows for digital cameras to take infrared pictures. In other words digital infrared photography is the use of a digital camera and an infrared filter which allows for the digital camera to create an infrared photograph.
Therefore, utilizing these two key components digital infrared photography can capture images utilizing the emanating infrared energy from the object being photographed. The resulting picture will give the appearance of being a black and white picture. However, certain objects that are reflected in the digital image will give the appearance of being lighter or darker and generally the opposite of how they would appear in a normal photograph. In addition, the photograph will give the appearance of being unusual or ethereal in appearance.
Digital Camera
To participate in digital infrared photography, the individual needs to own or have access to a digital camera. Most digital cameras are equipped with an infrared blocking filter that is installed between two other components of the digital camera. Those two additional components to the digital camera are the lens and the CCD. A CCD is a charge coupled device which is an electronic light sensor used in digital cameras.
It is important to know this information because when attempting digital infrared photography, the infrared blocking filter needs to be neutralized. The blocking of the infrared rays can be neutralized by adding an infrared filter.
Infrared Filter
When selecting any infrared filter to perform digital infrared photography it is important to keep in mind a number of factors. First of all these types of filters can be found in any professional camera shop. In addition, the enthusiast may be able to find a quality infrared filter online. This filter needs to be placed in front of the CCD.
In addition, it is important to keep in mind some critical specifications in regards to being successful at digital infrared photography. When purchasing an infrared filter it is important to remember that darker may not necessarily be better. A common recommendation is to secure an infrared filter that reduces the visible light by 50%.
In addition, it is important to remember that not all infrared filters will readily attach to all brands of digital cameras. Therefore, you may have to purchase an adapter that will allow for the lens to be attached appropriately.