Further experiments in infrared photography with an eye toward how different materials appear.
As I continue working through some of my infrared photography images, I am really enjoying this ‘alternate’ part of the spectrum. As I mentioned in last week’s post on ‘Creative Light Experiments‘, I am still learning (which will never stop).
Here’s this week’s image in the longer end of the spectrum…
Quinapoxet Crossing
This shot is part of my set of experimental images that I shot to get a better understanding of how different materials will appear with a 720nm camera conversion. The stone of the bridge and the guard rail look fairly unaffected. As I processed the sky with a red/blue channel swap, it appears normal to our eyes. The green leaves are most affected in this treatment.
Some of the other experiments to try include playing with the White Balance in ACR. That will definitely happen during this week!
In other news, I am sending in a second camera to be converted. As I use mirrorless for all my ‘regular light’ shooting, my Canon 5D MkIII will be converted. I’ve selected 590nm for the filter for this conversion, so that I have two different parts of the spectrum. I’m looking forward to the next set of explorations!
A Fresh Perspective
Photography is more than just a vehicle for capturing the world around me; it provides me with a palette and a set of brushes, with which I paint not only what I see, but also look to express the emotions that are evoked by the scene in front of me in that moment.
Growing up in the Netherlands exposed me to a wide cross-section of visual arts that laid the foundation of my photographic view of all that surrounds me. Early influences were the Dutch Masters of the 17th century, to whom I was introduced by my grandfather during museum explorations; favorites among them are the scenes of quotidian life depicted by Jan Steen and Frans Hals and the vivid landscapes of Jacob van Ruisdael.
My classical high school education was supplemented by the Boijmans Van Beuningen museum, where I spent many a lunch hour exploring its great collection. Here I was introduced to surrealism with a particular love for the approach taken by Salvador Dali; Dali also rekindled my appreciation for the work of Hieronymus Bosch, who often showed the folly of us mortals.
Universal Connections
My approach to any photographic subject is to look for understanding first; in this I look to establish either a connection between the viewer and the subject or capture the connection of the subject with its surroundings. The captured image then aims to portray this connection from a perspective that is part of my personal interpretation.
This interpretation is often a form of externalized introspection, which may alternately display the connection of isolated beings and items with their environment or highlight the whimsy of the profound world, in which we find ourselves. The universe is full of connections, many of which are waiting to be discovered; part of my journey as a photographer is to document these connections.
Any assignment, be it an event, a product shoot or a portrait session is always approached through communication with the client; this is where the first connection is established. Ideas are exchanged and a collaborative plan of action forms, ultimately resulting in a set of images that aim to exceed the expectations of each client.
And, lest we forget, it is important to have fun while practicing the serious business of photography!
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