Infrared Digital Photography
Infrared (IR) digital photography is whereby electromagnetic radiation is used in place of visible light. Infrared is borrowed from the Latin word infra, which means ‘below’ thus ‘infrared’ means ‘below red’. Red is the color
with the longest wavelength and this explains why it stands out amongst other colors. In digital photography, infrared is used to bring out colors that are further than red in regard to wavelength.
Photography done using infrared digital photography comes through as antique and exotic. Infrared digital photography is mostly used in aerial photography. This is due to the infrared light that makes images look white after it reflects all visible light. Such photography is done when pest control or crop yields are being analyzed. It is also applied in landscape photography still from an aerial view. It achieves the utmost clarity in total disregard to the atmospheric conditions of the day.
The sharpness penetrates through the atmosphere, gas and dust to bring out the perfect and real picture. It picks up all the petty details that are normally ignored by cameras that are not fitted with infrared. It is also used in precise photography like pictures of the sky and the galaxy. It is trusted to cut through obstructions and hazes to bring out the details people have no idea they exist. The whitening effect of infrared makes humans look ghostly and the skin appears extra smooth.
Many photographers opt for it when they are doing portraits. Colored clothing comes through as white and it is possible to capture hot coals and gas flames, precise details only an infrared digital camera can accomplish. This is achieved as the light is not blocked in any way. Charge Coupled Devices (CCDs) forms the basic platform on which infrared digital cameras are made. This makes it possible for them to carry out infrared photography. Infrared works in such a way that it blocks all visible light.
This is made possible by the presence of a ‘hot mirror’ or a blocking filter. The beauty of infrared photography is that it opens the photographers eye to another side of the world that they did not know existed. It brings out a world beyond what is perceived as natural and normal. It gives depth and sophistication in photography. The images achieved in infrared photography are strange yet familiar. The color schemes that come with infrared digital photography add mystery to objects.
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