Friday Freebie #1 – InfraRed Tutorial

Here are the basic steps for taking an Infrared / IR photograph with a Digital camera, that has an IR filter fitted to lens (eg. Hoya R72)

Steps to start out.

1) Ideally set WB with IR filter on. Due to darkness of filter you need to set ISO1600 & then set custom WB by pointing at grass.
2) Return to low ISO & set to shoot RAW if possible
3) Due to long exposure needed you’ll need a tripod
4) Turn to manual focus
5) Take filter off & compose shot. Put filter back on being careful not to change focus
6) With camera in Manual mode choose something like 20 sec exposure at f/8
7) Either through remote cable or self timer , take shot
Once taken , view histogram of shot. If too dark, increase exposure & vice versa
9) Voila , IR shot

Note the IR focus point is different from normal light focus point. Older lenses used to show this position, but I always put to infinity position & play it by ear.