My first foray with my Canon EOS 5D MkIII camera after its conversion with a 720nm infrared filter.
It’s been a while since the last post on this topic, so I’m making a gentle re-entry… This time I had my Canon EOS 5D MkIII converted to use a 720nm infrared filter, expanding the range of options that I have in my spectrum exploration. Trees have been pretty bare thus far, so I only took my first shots with this camera during the past weekend. I kept it pretty simple, as I just took a snap of some of the trees in our yard.
Here’s a view with this approach…
Springtime Returns
When I started processing this image, I came to the realization that I didn’t have a set of presets for the Canon EOS 5D MkIII. A quick check on Tonee Gee’s CLiR website confirmed that the presets are available with the current course. No panic, as the course comes with free updates! Tonee directed me to Kolari , as they provide the updates. A message to Kolari confirmed that they were in the process of updating to the most recent version.
Of course, being impatient I sent a note on Saturday asking when the new version might be available. Within 60 seconds I received a response that the new course is available for download! I rejoiced and started the (rather large) download.
That enabled me to use the really straightforward process of using a preset with Adobe Camera Raw, and the above image is the first one! I went for the black & white, as I do really like the look that it produced.
Time for more exploration during next weekend (hoping for nicer weather).
In closing, a great big thank you to Tonee Gee and Kolari for being incredibly responsive to my emails. Also, a second thank you to Kolari for the amazing job they did converting my Canon EOS 5D MkIII. They took the extra step of taking the camera through a full set of tests before doing the conversion and found an issue with the sensor. Kolari reached out to me with a detailed image and explanation of what they found and their suggestion to replace the sensor. As, they took care of the replacement, I can say that I’m really pleased with the results!
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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