In infrared photography the image or film sensor used is sensitive to infrared light. This allows the infrared light to go through the camera but blocks all or the majority of visible light spectrum and therefore appears black or deep red.
History
The infrared photography was impossible until the 1900’s because the silver halide mixtures were not sensitive to infrared radiation. In fact the first infrared photograph was developed in 1910. After that during WWI infrared sensitive photographic plates were made by United States and were exercised to improve aerial photography.
In the 1960's false-color infrared was established with the introduction of Kodak Ektachrome Infrared Aero Film. This was the era in which many artists stand out because of the unusual effects produced by this photography. Some of the famous artists are Donovan, Jimi Hendrix, the Grateful Dead, Frank Zappa and Elio Ciol. Elio Ciol was a great artist and was very famous because of using fine black and white infrared sensitive film. His photos were marvelous.
Overview
Infrared filters are often known as heat absorbing filters and are perfect for cutting through mist. These sorts of filters are normally employed to prevent items from unnecessary heating which contain vivid luminescent light bulbs. The near infrared filters are normally used for video cameras in order to balance the high sensitivity of the camera's sensors to near-infrared light. The infrared filters are also used in medical photography, crime detection, and things similar to the discovery of vegetation and so on.
There are many types of Infrared filters such as 665nm, 630nm, 780nm, 715nm, 1000nm, 850nm and 830nm. These filters are made for the cameras that are sensitive to infrared. These filters are made up of optical refined glass. They seem totally black to the human eye. If 830nm and 850nm filters are hold in front of bright light then they will show light filament dimly. If 1000nm filters are hold in front of bright light then they will appear totally opaque.
The infrared blocking filter can be removed from the camera. But this can spoil the camera and it will no longer be of any good for capturing normal color images. If the infrared blocking filter is removed from the camera then there will be no warranty and this should be taken under consideration before removing it.
Availability On Net
While searching for infrared filter sheet one can in fact find few of them on eBay for sale. These can be altered and cut according to the requirement.
Hoya infrared filter absorbs majority of the visible region and transmits the infrared region. They have number of different series like:
- The IR and R series piercingly stops part of the infrared.
- In contrast, the RM series presents gradual and smooth cut off.
- The RT series band passes the infrared region.
The Hoya infrared filter catalog gives all the information related to infrared products used for night vision tools and warning systems.
Infrared Filters Effects
When the filters and infrared-sensitive films or sensors are used collectively they generate very interesting effects know as in-camera effects. Such as: black-and-white or false-color images look like fantasy or have striking appearance. The effect is generally foliage powerfully reflecting just like the visible light is reflected from snow.
The other characteristics of infrared photographs consist of extremely dark skies and infiltration of atmospheric mist. This is due to concentrated Mie scattering and Rayleigh scattering in the atmosphere as compared to visible light. Infrared filters come in various sizes, styles, prices and brands
