It’s 2025, and after a hiatus from photography trips, I made arrangements to visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The trip is organized through Muench Travel, with two professional photographers leading our excursion. In anticipation of the journey, I was advised to bring an extra camera as a backup in case my mirrorless camera fails. I went into a drawer and pulled out an old Canon DSLR I hadn’t used in several years. I decided to send it to LifePixel to have it converted to infrared, which I believed would add a new dimension to my photography.
Infrared photography captures light beyond the visible spectrum. Shooting in IR reveals a surreal world, with green foliage glowing white, skies turning dark, and textures intensifying. This results in images that possess a dreamlike, otherworldly quality. Landscapes convey an ethereal feel, making familiar scenes appear extraordinary.
I’ve discovered that manual mode is best for more precise control while shooting in IR. The exposure times are longer, making the use of a tripod important. Additionally, using a custom white balance with green foliage as the subject yields the best results.
I have also discovered some post-processing considerations for IR photography. The images benefit from increased contrast in the skies and foliage. Converting an infrared image to black and white makes it easy to emphasize textures. This can be achieved by adjusting levels or curves to deepen blacks and brighten whites. By fine-tuning the tonal range, the surreal quality of the image can be enhanced. Boosting clarity in LightRoom or Photoshop helps bring out the texture in foliage, bark, or clouds, giving an IR image a pleasing, detailed look. Selective brightening or darkening can be accomplished with dodge or burn tools. Ensuring the histogram displays a full tonal range from black to white is vital to presenting a balanced image.
I would have to say that doing some IR shooting in the Great Smoky Mountains allowed me to see the landscape through a new lens-quite literally! It challenges you to think differently about light and composition, turning ordinary scenes into magical visions. It provides an adventure of discovery, captivatingly mixing technology and art.