Like most photographers, I have that shelf where old cameras go to die and collect dust. Recently, I took one and had it converted to Super Color Infrared. My experience with shooting Infrared has been with 3 cameras. First, the standard R72 (720nm) filter, a tripod, and very, very long exposures. Then I moved up to camera conversions.
I have had two DSLRs converted, both with Enhanced Color (665nm) conversions. The results have been great, and I love the quality of IR I can produce. I had heard that the Super Color Filter was the most popular conversion, and I really didn’t know what to expect. What I have found is quite exiting. I did my standard pre-shoot white balance and shot in RAW. The Super Color images have a much deeper (for lack of a better term) range. I have much more intense color tones, and even deeper Black & White images. Basically, I can get the look of all of the other filter conversions, depending on how I process the RAW images. If you are contemplating which filter choice to make, I highly suggest you consider the Super Color conversion.
Below is a sampling of my first couple of shoots with what is now my favorite camera.
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Dan Wampler
Dan Wampler is a digital artist from St Louis, MO. Having been interested in art and photography since childhood, he spent most of adult life working for Kodak and in the portrait photography industry. A student of the works of Ansel Adams, Any Warhol, and David Hamilton, Dan attempted to keep a wide range of artistic style.
As an early adopter of digital imaging, he found it gave him a way to completely incorporate art and photography. Began shooting Digital Infrared in 2004, and had first camera converted in 2006. His work has been seen in numerous gallery shows, is featured in an iTunes app. He produces Infrared and natural color digital art for sale and teaches his post-production techniques online.
Dan is LifePixel's Creative Director, social media manager, lead blog author, main workshops and training sessions instructor. His images appear in this gallery and throughout the website.
If you have a topic suggestion or request feel free to shoot him an email at danwampler@lifepixel.com
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Hello Dan,
I came across this page as I am trying to rekindle my passion for infrared photography, the last time out i was using infrared film to give you a time lap of the last time I tried. I would like to the exact process of converting a body to super color infrared if you can point me in the right direction. in the pics above are you using infrared filters on the lens or is the body conversion doing that for you?
Thanks in advance,
Zach
Hello Zach,
Those images were made using a camera that had the sensor converted. Working with filters requires way too long exposures, and creates noisier images. A converted camera is definitely the way to go.
Do you still use filters on a supercolor converted camera — like the 590? Someone just suggested I give it a try.
No, I don’t use a filter with my Super Color camera.
Thanks, Dan.
Very nice! I especially like the first and the eighth image as they look different but without being too “other worldly” This is inspiration. I’ve just had my super color life-pixel converted Fuji for a month, and while it is a steep learning curve, these sort of posts really help. Thanks.
Hi Dan,
I have been shooting IR for many years. I am considering a new IR filter choice of super color. My question is, can you desaturate the color of the foliage only with post processing? Possibly getting the look of the super blue filter? Just wondering how versatile. I have an enhanced color IR dedicated and I do love that conversion. It’s a difficult choice.
Hi Terri,
With Super Color Infrared, the “White Foliage” look is accomplished by desaturating the color tones in the foliage. The technique is not difficult, but is done in post production.
Hi, I am debating which filter will be best to shoot outside poses is super colored filter or super blue I am confused with this 2 filters I need your advise for me to convert my T4i cannon rebel camera any suggestion please
I will email you.
Hi, I just recently had my Canon Rebel converted to Super Color, where can I find the best tutorial on processing my images. I have only tried swapping the red and blue channels and that leaves my building looking too blue.
Thanks,
Carla
Hi Carla,
We have lots of tutorials on our website. Do you have any specific questions that were not addressed on our website?
I’m just getting ready to jump into IR photography and your stuff is WONDERFUL! I’ve done mainly wildlife (esp bird photography) in many exotic places so I’m interested to see what happens when I try to combine the two.
Hi Dan,
Beautiful images.
What is the typical exposure, moving up from IR Filter to Camera conversion? How quicker is it? Do you still need a tripod? or is handheld possible?
Thx
Qumar
Hi Dan, I converted my old 350D rebel about 5 years ago and it has been a lot of fun learning to shoot IR. My question to you is this, What brand and model of camera did you convert for the images above. My rebel has seen it’s better days and it’s time to retire. Thanks! Your photographs are stunning by the way!
Hi Becky, Those were taken with a Canon Xti.
Hi Don..love your images..want -is the filter nm for the images you recently posted? Thanks
Cindy, the images are from our Super Color IR filter conversion, which is 590nm.
Cindy, This is a Super Color conversion, which is about 590nm. There is a great section where you can see all the conversion options.
https://www.lifepixel.com/infrared-filters-choices
I love the intense color these image have. Your work is beautiful.
stunning images Dan…a real inspiration to those interested in Infrared Photography. 🙂