I took these shots to test out a Samsung NX1000 converted to full spectrum with a 720nm infrared filter (i.e. the filter lets through all wavelengths above 720nm, and the camera is likely to be sensitive up to around 1000nm). I was using the stock 20-50mm Samsung lens. These photographs cover the “near infrared” range of the spectrum – just beyond the red that our eyes can see, but nowhere near the wavelengths of thermal infrared for things around room temperature.
Properties of IR
Infrared offers some interesting properties when photographing various situations. For example chlorophyll reflects IR very strongly, making all healthy foliage appear bright, while damaged or unhealthy leaves are less reflective (e.g. see the woodland shot). Infrared is also scattered by dust and moisture in the atmosphere much less than shorter wavelengths (this is called Rayleigh scattering and makes the sky or distant hazy things blue). Infrared can see through this haze better than shorter wavelengths, the distant ships off Pendennis point below were barely visible to my eyes through the haze. Spy satellites and aerial photographers often utilise IR because of it ability to cut through haze. These properties also make the sky and water appear eerily/dramatically dark compared to the foliage-covered land, and creates strong definition in clouds.
