I say do what ever makes you excited. What I enjoyed best about this video was the enthusiasm. Its been a long time since I have felt that way about photography or video. The photos did have a uniqueness about them and I can see it being a fun way to enjoy a sunny afternoon. Jason
Loving the direction you are heading in, photography is experimentation, enjoyment and sometimes pushing boundaries. Looking forward to seeing more infra red from you.. hope you get commission as I feel a lot of your UK subscribers will be visiting their website following this upload. 🙂
I think you explained IR Photography in a way that I really understood your excitement at exploring subject mater literally in a different light. To have that feeling again would be a joy beyond measure and make for endless adventures to rediscover familiar ground and capture new subjects that have never before been considered. Thank you!
Seeing you all excited about this type of photography that you’re starting to explore, fills my heart with joy 😁 I can’t wait to see what IR gems you will be creating aside your ‘classic’ work! Let me also mention that I appreciate all the work you put into making these video’s. I look forward to them every week. Thanks a lot Thomas for providing us with these moments of joy, creativity and authenticity!
The images are incredible. It was rather brave of you to convert a perfectly good camera into infrared. Eliminates the excuse of weather and time of day. A whole new world of creativity! Most photographers has a back-up, less expensive camera that can be converted. Always looking to expand the art of photography, thanks TH.
@@SteveMillerhuntingforfood it depends. Some IR conversions just extend the sensor's sensitivity into the infrared by removing the camera's internal filter that would cut it out, but others will also include a new filter over the sensor that's like an R72 and will cut out a lot of visible light to emphasise the IR. Given that he said that in colour the images from his camera were just purple and weird, I have a feeling that Thomas may have gone for the latter. Even so, given that it was an old camera and he has both an XT-4 and the GFX as his main digital shooters, it's still a pretty awesome alternative use for what would otherwise just get stuck on MPB.
I loved the images you took in this video. I’ve followed Tony Sweet for years, and admired the amazing infrared shots he creates. Getting me even more inspired. Have fun with it, and keep the videos coming
Welcome to the "dark side", I spend more time using an IR converted than I do with my "normal" cameras. I have found that incorporating water and/or buildings into the images gives another dimension, as they reflect IR differently (or in the case of water, not at all), rather than getting an overload of whiteness. As you say, it opens up a whole new world of landscape photography, as bright sunny weather becomes your playground! Excellent images, I look forward to seeing more IR content from you.
I've been shooting IR portraiture since 2015, mostly in-studio. However, the few times I do shoot outdoors is at my pool for precisely the reason you mention...it passes almost zero IR wavelength light beyond a few inches of water (depending on if it's in direct sun, etc.). Makes for some great images.
Tom, I’ve loved infrared photography since the early 80’s when I used to use a Hoya 25 red filter and Ilford IR film. These days I have a converted mirrorless and love it still. So, naturally, I really enjoyed seeing the excitement in your first day out with yours. Don’t ignore cloudy days and yes, bring it on. J
This was a wonderful vlog and it was great to see your creative excitement rekindled. I actually had no idea that IR conversion was a thing. Thanks for the inspiration, as usual.
In my view an exceptional photo engages you immediately. This infra-red genre hits you between the eyes like a thunderbolt. Amazing!. Seems to turn summer into crisp clear and frosty winter shots. As you say even the most mundane looking composition is transformed into a masterpiece. Love it. Thanks Thomas.
Hi Thomas, I was really excited to see that you've finally converted one of your older Fuji cameras to IR. I did the same thing years ago with my XT-1, then my XT-2 when I bought the XT-3, etc. It was fun to see your enthusiasm and joy in this video as you started using your newly converted camera. I for one love shooting IR this time of year and agreed with everything you said in the video. I'd love to see more IR videos from you and see if I can pick up any cool new ideas for my photography as you get out and explore with it. I'm curious about the photos you shared in this video. Were they the straight out of camera JPGs from using the black and white film simulation, or did you go back to the raw files and process them in lightroom / photoshop? Thanks and please keep sharing your IR work!
@@ThomasHeatonPhoto You should film water with IR camera, the reflection looks so good because the waters emit little IR and look really black. Also for those who can't afford a camera for conversion, there is a IR filter that goes over the lens. The camera sensor's original filter gets rid of most IR but some will pass through. You just have to work at higher ISOs with a normal camera and a black IR filter
@@yuxuanhuang3523 Yes, for many camera models, a non-converted camera can work. but, there have also been many models which are extremely insensitive to Infrared. For example, with a Canon 500d and the standard kit lens, in the best lighting, you might still need something like 30 seconds of exposure. With Fuji X-T2, which is actually thought to be a rather sensitive stock camera, the exposure also needs to be quite long. Interestingly, older cameras are better at it, but I've been able to get results using my modestly new Samsung phone!
Hey Thomas great episode. I’ve been watching your channel for 3-4 years now and I must say this is about as enthusiastic as I’ve ever seen you! It’s fantastic that you’ve found something as simple as IR conversion to spark such creativity and enthusiasm. This is one of my favorite episodes in a long time! I’ve been working with B&W IR for years and haven’t had my converted Sony out of the bag for some time - you’ve inspired me to get out and shoot it now that summer has arrived. All the best from Montana USA!
i've often toyed with the idea of doing this, the pictures have a wintery feel, which is my favourite style of photography, everything has that clean look. great pictures
Honestly these were some of the best images I've seen in quite some time. I usually prefer colored shots as I love the green of leaves and the brown of the bark but man these shots were on another level. It looks pretty surreal and dreamy but in the best way possible. I would love to shoot like this one day. Please do more of this!
I have to admit, I honestly think image 5, 6 and 7 are by far your best images ever taken. There so something so out of this world, so magical, about infrared images. Nice project, Thomas! Enjoyed it a lot.
This was a Classic Thomas Heaton video! I absolutely adored the pictures so much that my next shoot will be to photograph infrared images! Thanks for the inspiration, Tom!
Loved the images! I can appreciate your reinvigorated excitement in another field of photography, too. The surreal nature of the shots coupled with the incredible contrast made these potentially "ordinary" subjects and light conditions something almost magical. Highly enjoyable. Many thanks!
This was an amazing video with some of your best images. Would love to see your processing work that goes with them. How would seascapes fare with the infrared? Great work.
Thanks a lot. We share the same questions and I will endeavour to answer them all. So many possibilities. Processing was a piece of cake. No different to my usual work 👍
Tom, it's good to see you so excited. Trying something new like this can be a whole new way of seeing. The photos are beautiful and I hope there will be more.
Super cool! I really love the one you took while laying down. The way those wavy dark branches contrasted with the white leaves was a perfect example of what IR can do. Props to you for picking out those compositions, I don't think I would have noticed the opportunities you did!
Regardless of the format, feeling excitement about doing something creative is always a good thing. I've been working with black and white a lot recently with my X-T3 and want to get a lot better at that. I'm also experimenting with vintage lenses. It's fun and interesting. It also slows you down and allows you to enjoy the entire process. Thanks for taking us along on this new journey. Have a great week!
I remember looking into getting a camera converted (my old 7D) years ago but wasn't ready to do it. Now, as I look at adding a mirrorless to my lineup and taking the 7D out of the backup camera role, this inspires me to revisit that conversion again. Beautiful shots and great content, thanks for sharing!
Just over a month ago I upgraded my Sony a6000 to a6400, I then had a full spectrum conversion on my a6000. I have to use filters on my lens, currently 680nm. The images I like the most take a white balance reading then swap the red and blue channels in software 😊
I converted my first Fuji, an XT-1 to IR last year. Took it to the Eastern Sierra in October to experiment and captured images alongside my “normal XH-1”. As my first foray into IR image making, I think I remained a bit restrictive in my shot selection, thinking only certain images would be worthy of capturing. Your video has me excited to go back out and try some more. Loved your images and your video has reignited my passion and motivated me to go back out and capture images with an open mind. Thank you!
Been considering changing one of my older dslr’s to ir. Now I am for sure! Stunning images! Now you’ve gotten me excited to check out this direction as well.
At first it seems like a crazy idea, but the results you get are stunning. Full marks for executing an innovative idea, that gives you a new world of photography.
I've never been a fan of IR, but I must say your images were mesmerizing. I must reconsider my biases. Might be time to look for a camera that can be converted. I definitely would like to see more IR episodes.
Used to shoot a lot of IR in the film days and really enjoyed it. I've been meaning to get an old body converted. This just moved it back on my list of todos I keep forgetting to do. Can't wait to see how you get on with the new Ir camera.
Holy crapamundo Tom!! This was an AWESOME video!! Loved all the images...I might get one of my cameras converted after seeing this. Be sure to give us more in the future....I'll be waiting for it!!!
Thats fascinating !!! I for one would love to see more of this in different situations. Seeing the world thru a different eye is what experimentation is all about. I had no idea this concept was already being explored. Smashing !!!
Nice to see you giving thr infrared a go. I've been shooting on converted dslr's for 15 years and love the results. Make sure to also try the camera on dull days. The extra contrast from the 720nm can work wonders on days when the normal camera doesn't even leave the bag.
I'd love to see more infrared photography! I've been considering buying an already converted camera and getting into it myself, and I probably will eventually as it wouldn't be that expensive (they seem to be about £150 on ebay). Really curious to see what you're able to create
@@elusivelens1744 Most DSLR cameras have an IR blocking filter right in front of the sensor. Conversion involves removing the filter and replacing it by one which blocks some or most of the visible light spectrum. 720 is the middle filter, and probably the most commonly used. The conversion means the camera won't take regular colour pics afterwards - so its best to commit a spare camera for conversion. This means carrying two bodies when you go out !! One thing to watch is that not all lenses are good for IR, some lenses exhibit a "hotspot" or area of low contrast in the middle of the image. The hotspot can vary depending on the scene,, I've never read a good explanation of what causes the hotspot.
if you want to get into ir photography for cheap, buy the cheapest compact camera you can find and remove the ir cut filter yourself. old cameras are usually very simple to take apart and the risk is very low because of the price.
Wow. I have always found your energy contagious. You have taken it to a new level with the converted camera. I have been using a converted camera for several years as it allows me to shoot during the middle of day. Living in Alberta, I have explored the vast prairies trying to create minimalist images with the abandoned homesteads and vehicles scattered about. It is not for everyone, but personally I love it and it totally transforms the environment. City parks with reflecting ponds, structures with trees, simple bike paths curving through trees. Scenes are completely different as you are now looking on how the trees and vegetation work in your image. I really look forward to your journey with infrared.
I honestly feel the IR XT3 has to stay in the bag permanently now! It surely opens up more opportunities of creativity when out and about. I think you’d regret not having it with you know IF the perfect scenario arose, and in general too. I have a feeling IR photography could be very addictive! I can see many landscape photographers getting their old cameras lying around converted now, I’m going to get one done now too!
Interestingly, I started with a full-spectrum in 2015 for my IR portrait work, and found I shot 99% of my IR imagery at 720nm, so my second camera was a dedicated 720nm Sony a6000.
Great video! I love that you start to do infrared photography! I had a camera converted (full spectrum) for myself and am very happy that you now give me loads of motivation and inspiration to pick it up again! More content like this is highly appreciated!! :)
That hand held shot with the gnarly leaves was incredible!❤️📷 Should you do more IR...most definitely! Photography is photography, and if you're excited then we the viewers get excited too.😁 PS I have an old camera that I've been contemplating converting to IR for some time now. You've made it harder to think of reasons not too.
Love your approach to IR photography here, and I completely agree that while gear should never be a crutch for creativity, sometimes something new that makes you see things in a different way can be hugely inspiring! With this in mind, I'd really love to see what you might do with IR film photography too. I can imagine you'd get some amazing images using either the Hasselblad or your Fuji GX617, shooting with an IR filter and a film stock like Rollei Infrared 400!
Great images. I love infrared. Been shooting it for a couple of years, both color and black and white IR. I keep experimenting with it to learn more and improve my skills. If you sometimes consider converting another camera, i would recommend converting it to full spectrum instead, as you get a lot more flexibility from it. With a full spectrum i put a filter in front and can then go 720nm as here, around 600nm for color infrared, 850nm or higher for more intense black and white shots and you can even get a filter to use it for regular visible light.
Tom, well I for one really enjoyed today’s video and as someone who has a few older Fuji X series cameras kicking around it made me think about perhaps also getting one of them converted. Really liked some of the images a lot, and as for future videos I think you should maybe take it with you on other shoots to give you a back up option for taking shots where the light doesn’t suit what you’d normally go for (supplementing other videos rather than having lots of dedicated infrared videos). Personally though I’d love to see you explore and show what other, less typical subject matter also looks good in infrared to broaden everyone’s understanding of what looks good this way. By the way, you never mentioned but does the conversion mean the autofocus still works the same, or do you need to adjust for infrared (like in the old days)?
Coincidentally, I recently bought a IR filter and tried playing with it. I actually had tried it long ago, but that was when I was just first trying photography and really didn't know what I was doing, and so that particular IR filter (for my kit lens) gathered dust. I thought it was a very neat coincidence when I saw this video. Your joy and enthusiasm in this video are pretty infectious.
Really great images, Thomas! I had an X-T20 converted last year for B&W IR, and it is really fun pursuing this kind of photography, as you said, in the summer especially. A caveat or two: Not all lenses do well for IR. Stopping down past 5.6 or so, might create "hot spots" in your images. It does so with my camera, even using prime lenses. A great source to check your lenses and anything else about IR photography, especially for Fuji, is Rob Shea's YT channel. Thanks again for a great video!
Just FYI, Tom. 720nm (nanometers) is the frequency of light in the near-infrared spectrum that this sensor is now sensitive to. Its called 'near-infrared' because 720nm is at the very extreme red end of the visible light spectrum which--under average conditions--runs from about 380nm to 750nm. There really is no hard limit, but human vision falls off rapidly above 700nm. 720nm is also sort of the traditional spectrum of IR film from ancient times, so it gives a familiar look.
@@elusivelens1744 Yes, though it looks like camera conversion might need a lot less light than a filter. That's what I've just read, so don't take my word as your answer. I would hesitate to limit my camera to IR when I could just use a filter. Filters look expensive and might be more tedious to use?
@@elusivelens1744 yes, it is achievable with a filter, but it depends on the camera body. Some have very strong infra red blocking filters on the sensor, so do not do well with a filter only. Canon is one such brand that have strong blocking filters. Olympus, by contrast, perform very well with filters. I can't speak of other brands, as I have not tried them personally.
Hi Thomas! I also had an "infrared phase" a few years ago and enjoyed the outerworldly looks very much. Perhaps we should mention, that it's quite easy to create good simulations of ir-photographs by photoshop or affinity. Not everyone owns an unused second camera and the money to let it convert. 😉
I'd like to disagree with the simulation bit. Yes you can reduce the luminosity of the blue in the sky and increase that of greens then turn everything black and white but it will never have the same effect as an infrared photo. It's not colours that reflect infrared, it's particular materials. Without knowing how each material reflects infrared it'd be hard to simulate it. I took a photo of my friend wearing a white tshirt and blue jeans and in camera both looked just as white. His skin looked quite dark and his eyes looked very dark.
I must say it's easier than one could expect: in Italy I found at least two professional labs that have no problems in doing these conersions tasks (for sure, not to be tried at one's home!). Shipping to and from the lab is part of the standard procedure. Last year, I paid 210 € for the conversion work (perfectly executed). Also, I think it's also very common to have a semi-obsolete digital camera at home, still working fine but less performing than a more modern camera. This was my case: my first digital mirrorless (a Lumix GH1) was lying in a drawer, overtaken by a state-of-the-art Olympus E-M5 MkII), and the IR conversion took it to a new life!
Great to see you so fired up! Yes, I'd like to see more IR content (but not all the time!). I've thought a few times about getting a camera converted, this video has reminded me to look again, thanks Tom.
Tom, a few tips, use a polariser filter, it helps push the sky blacker. Also I find the silver Efex pro photoshop plug in from NIK(i think its NIK..) really helps in post to enhance the B&W aspect. You also need a lot of direct sunlight for IR photography, an overcast day isn't going to help the contrast. And the great thing with a converted camera is you can hand hold if needed, no long exposures like in the old days. There is a list somewhere on the net that shows all the fuji lens that dont suffer from a hotspot as some do. Ive got some images on flikr using a converted xpro 1 & 2, just search my name and you will find them. Have fun!
I really like the videos with you trying out different ways to survive the abyss that is summer photography. Every landscape photographer struggles from time to time, but I like that you're being honest about it. Pano-camera, Hasselblad, IR conversion, they're all fun to watch.
Welcome to the IRclub. I converted a Nikon D50 back in 2006 and it has never disappointed me. I love being able to shoot handheld IR at all the way up to 1/250 @f11 or so... it is a game changer. I went out today and shot a few and landed on a solid one to add to the mix... Cheers.
Hey Thomas, how are you doing. Have you ever thought about astrophotography or shooting nightsky ever?? , if not ,i think it will be interesting to shoot some images of landscape with thousands of stars shining in background..it will be cool to try.....
Love the infrared!! It adds variety and inspiration similarly to the way your film videos mix it up and show us another more deliberate way of approaching things. Love the channel, and excellent work as always!! You’ve inspired this wildlife photographer to dabble more and more seriously in landscapes.
Don't think I've seen you quite so excited for a while, was lovely :) And the resulting images were beautiful, a very other-worldly feel to them. I'd love to see more of this and how you develop your IR photography. So keep doing it as and when you feel like it, whether that's a dedicated IR shoot or alongside your 'normal' landscape shoots when a scene presents itself.
I loved the IR shots - really dug the tree trunk and “lone tree” shots. Re: whether you should keep doing it, I say fit it in whenever you want, even if it’s just a couple IR shots here and there during “regular” videos. You clearly were having fun, almost giddy, about your new IR camera. And I personally think CCs are more fun to watch when they’re having fun, regardless of specific content itself.
That snowy recap just made my day - I hate hot weather and find summer a photographic wasteland - oh for some snow! I've toyed with IR in the past using a filter and thought about converting my older Canon 5d mark 2 to IR - might still do it now!
Enjoyed the infrared video, would be interested in other videos on this subject but we both enjoy your landscape photography. Keep doing what your doing, you always bring a smile to our faces. Cath & Ray
The power / influence of a video is amazing…..I spoke with Protech today and as a result of this video they have been inundated with conversion orders……quoted turn around is now 8 weeks…they are very grateful but overwhelmed…I’m taking mine there this week ….great results Thomas….please share your editing There’s a lot of conflicting info out there
Great work on your IR images and this video explaining it. I felt like I was watching my own personal journey into this genre of photography. After years of getting out for sunrises and sunsets, I discovered IR photography and how I could now shoot through the middle of a sunny day. This has motivated me to get back out with my converter camera!
Thomas thanks for posting a video that has you excited about photography. It really helps inspire others when someone shows how much they enjoy there creations
Amazing shots! I met infrared photography for the first time, it just looks awesome! The atmosphere you create with your videos are really calming and inspiring. I just love your kind sincereness and enthusiasm.
How refreshing! It’s so wonderful to see renewed energy end enthusiasm from you in your least favourite of seasons. In the final image I half expected to see 300 Spartans emerge over the horizon….very cinematic, dreamlike and almost otherworldly. You must give us more IR shots in the future. Thanks again for everything you put out there Tom.
Thomas I'm thrilled for you, man! I'm glad you found something to ease your summer slump. The images were breathtaking, and I can't wait to see what you come up with--
Such a useful good video. After 50 plus years of photography it's made me think about an old Canon 450D that I have sitting in my camera collection and getting that converted. I have so many ideas buzzing around my head.
Really good to see someone else promoting it. Still can't believe its as niche as it is! My advice as someone whos done it: 1) Its not just a summer thing, winter landscapes work just as well in IR. 2) Its not just for Landscape. I've done some really interesting work for Flash and Daylight based portraits
Love the infrared and like the previous commenter stated, your enthusiasm. My own infrared converted camera has really helped me broaden my portfolio, learn more about photography, and opens up summer to more of a delight while waiting for winter landscape bliss.
These images are stunning Thomas and I would love you to keep exploring this every now and again. Well more often than. that - but not all the time. It is fascinating! Images look so snowy yet not! Beautiful!
Infrared is now my thing, fallen in love with it soon as I grasped my eyes upon it, after watching your video. Always loved cullercoats so that my first portal call. Cracking photos Tom 👌
YEEEESSSSS Thomas! This is fabulous work. You're right, those are some fantastic "lone tree" images. I know you love the B&W but don't dismiss that with a custom white balance and a channel swap in post you can draw some lovely colour out of a 720nm filter. Please accept my + vote for rotating some IR content into your regular channel schedule
Been kinda looking into ir conversions cause the pictures are so cool then you posted this! Looks so fun and fresh, looked like you felt the same, and while I definitely think normal photography is better overall, I'd still be thrilled to see an ir photography video from you every so often
Awesome video... Just got a converted t6i myself and I'm yet to take it out but I'm quite excited with the possibilities!! Whatever keeps you inspired and excited on this journey, do it! We would love to go on that journey with you!!
I say do what ever makes you excited. What I enjoyed best about this video was the enthusiasm. Its been a long time since I have felt that way about photography or video. The photos did have a uniqueness about them and I can see it being a fun way to enjoy a sunny afternoon.
Jason
Thanks, Jason. I imagine some of the places you get to would look amazing in IR.
Loving the direction you are heading in, photography is experimentation, enjoyment and sometimes pushing boundaries. Looking forward to seeing more infra red from you.. hope you get commission as I feel a lot of your UK subscribers will be visiting their website following this upload. 🙂
I think you explained IR Photography in a way that I really understood your excitement at exploring subject mater literally in a different light. To have that feeling again would be a joy beyond measure and make for endless adventures to rediscover familiar ground and capture new subjects that have never before been considered. Thank you!
Your excitement is palpable, like watching a kid on Christmas morning opening their favorite gift! Your pictures are amazing!
Seeing you all excited about this type of photography that you’re starting to explore, fills my heart with joy 😁
I can’t wait to see what IR gems you will be creating aside your ‘classic’ work!
Let me also mention that I appreciate all the work you put into making these video’s. I look forward to them every week.
Thanks a lot Thomas for providing us with these moments of joy, creativity and authenticity!
The images are incredible. It was rather brave of you to convert a perfectly good camera into infrared. Eliminates the excuse of weather and time of day. A whole new world of creativity! Most photographers has a back-up, less expensive camera that can be converted. Always looking to expand the art of photography, thanks TH.
I think he can add a filter to the front of the lens and shoot it normally.
@@SteveMillerhuntingforfood it depends. Some IR conversions just extend the sensor's sensitivity into the infrared by removing the camera's internal filter that would cut it out, but others will also include a new filter over the sensor that's like an R72 and will cut out a lot of visible light to emphasise the IR. Given that he said that in colour the images from his camera were just purple and weird, I have a feeling that Thomas may have gone for the latter. Even so, given that it was an old camera and he has both an XT-4 and the GFX as his main digital shooters, it's still a pretty awesome alternative use for what would otherwise just get stuck on MPB.
I loved the images you took in this video. I’ve followed Tony Sweet for years, and admired the amazing infrared shots he creates. Getting me even more inspired. Have fun with it, and keep the videos coming
Welcome to the "dark side", I spend more time using an IR converted than I do with my "normal" cameras. I have found that incorporating water and/or buildings into the images gives another dimension, as they reflect IR differently (or in the case of water, not at all), rather than getting an overload of whiteness. As you say, it opens up a whole new world of landscape photography, as bright sunny weather becomes your playground!
Excellent images, I look forward to seeing more IR content from you.
I've been shooting IR portraiture since 2015, mostly in-studio. However, the few times I do shoot outdoors is at my pool for precisely the reason you mention...it passes almost zero IR wavelength light beyond a few inches of water (depending on if it's in direct sun, etc.). Makes for some great images.
Tom, I’ve loved infrared photography since the early 80’s when I used to use a Hoya 25 red filter and Ilford IR film. These days I have a converted mirrorless and love it still. So, naturally, I really enjoyed seeing the excitement in your first day out with yours. Don’t ignore cloudy days and yes, bring it on. J
This was a wonderful vlog and it was great to see your creative excitement rekindled. I actually had no idea that IR conversion was a thing. Thanks for the inspiration, as usual.
In my view an exceptional photo engages you immediately. This infra-red genre hits you between the eyes like a thunderbolt. Amazing!. Seems to turn summer into crisp clear and frosty winter shots. As you say even the most mundane looking composition is transformed into a masterpiece. Love it.
Thanks Thomas.
Love this idea. I really like the ways these look and "feel". Def want to see more of this. A lot of potential.
Hi Thomas, I was really excited to see that you've finally converted one of your older Fuji cameras to IR. I did the same thing years ago with my XT-1, then my XT-2 when I bought the XT-3, etc. It was fun to see your enthusiasm and joy in this video as you started using your newly converted camera. I for one love shooting IR this time of year and agreed with everything you said in the video. I'd love to see more IR videos from you and see if I can pick up any cool new ideas for my photography as you get out and explore with it. I'm curious about the photos you shared in this video. Were they the straight out of camera JPGs from using the black and white film simulation, or did you go back to the raw files and process them in lightroom / photoshop? Thanks and please keep sharing your IR work!
Thanks, James. Glad you enjoyed the video and yes, i am hooked. I shot RAW and reprocessed in LR. The BW preview on my x-t3 was just a guide 👍
@@ThomasHeatonPhoto but I think set the right BW in the scene maybe a better choice🙃
@@ThomasHeatonPhoto You should film water with IR camera, the reflection looks so good because the waters emit little IR and look really black. Also for those who can't afford a camera for conversion, there is a IR filter that goes over the lens. The camera sensor's original filter gets rid of most IR but some will pass through. You just have to work at higher ISOs with a normal camera and a black IR filter
@@yuxuanhuang3523 Yes, for many camera models, a non-converted camera can work. but, there have also been many models which are extremely insensitive to Infrared. For example, with a Canon 500d and the standard kit lens, in the best lighting, you might still need something like 30 seconds of exposure. With Fuji X-T2, which is actually thought to be a rather sensitive stock camera, the exposure also needs to be quite long. Interestingly, older cameras are better at it, but I've been able to get results using my modestly new Samsung phone!
Holy cow. Last shot is possibly one of the most stunning IR shots I've seen! Well done, Thomas!
Imagine that blown up on a wall!! That'd be pretty cool.
Hey Thomas great episode. I’ve been watching your channel for 3-4 years now and I must say this is about as enthusiastic as I’ve ever seen you! It’s fantastic that you’ve found something as simple as IR conversion to spark such creativity and enthusiasm. This is one of my favorite episodes in a long time! I’ve been working with B&W IR for years and haven’t had my converted Sony out of the bag for some time - you’ve inspired me to get out and shoot it now that summer has arrived. All the best from Montana USA!
i've often toyed with the idea of doing this, the pictures have a wintery feel, which is my favourite style of photography, everything has that clean look. great pictures
Honestly these were some of the best images I've seen in quite some time. I usually prefer colored shots as I love the green of leaves and the brown of the bark but man these shots were on another level. It looks pretty surreal and dreamy but in the best way possible. I would love to shoot like this one day. Please do more of this!
I have to admit, I honestly think image 5, 6 and 7 are by far your best images ever taken. There so something so out of this world, so magical, about infrared images. Nice project, Thomas! Enjoyed it a lot.
This was a Classic Thomas Heaton video! I absolutely adored the pictures so much that my next shoot will be to photograph infrared images! Thanks for the inspiration, Tom!
Loved the images! I can appreciate your reinvigorated excitement in another field of photography, too. The surreal nature of the shots coupled with the incredible contrast made these potentially "ordinary" subjects and light conditions something almost magical. Highly enjoyable. Many thanks!
This was an amazing video with some of your best images. Would love to see your processing work that goes with them. How would seascapes fare with the infrared? Great work.
Thanks a lot. We share the same questions and I will endeavour to answer them all. So many possibilities. Processing was a piece of cake. No different to my usual work 👍
I wonder ho street and city scapes would look too
@@ThomasHeatonPhoto You didn't do a channel swap?
@@ThomasHeatonPhoto are you believing you live on a spinning ball... or have you used that zoom yet...
@@SquirrelSniper138 are you a flat-Earther? I don't understand your comment
Fantastic images. Very cool to see something that is out of the norm. Would love to see you continue this type of work. Well done!
This is very good content Tom. Mainly because it’s nice to see you enjoying yourself (and a blue-sky summer’s day for a change! 😁)
Tom, it's good to see you so excited. Trying something new like this can be a whole new way of seeing. The photos are beautiful and I hope there will be more.
Super cool! I really love the one you took while laying down. The way those wavy dark branches contrasted with the white leaves was a perfect example of what IR can do. Props to you for picking out those compositions, I don't think I would have noticed the opportunities you did!
Regardless of the format, feeling excitement about doing something creative is always a good thing. I've been working with black and white a lot recently with my X-T3 and want to get a lot better at that. I'm also experimenting with vintage lenses. It's fun and interesting. It also slows you down and allows you to enjoy the entire process. Thanks for taking us along on this new journey. Have a great week!
Wow, those pictures are really really really stunning. I le have never imagine infrared photography would give such results 😀
You definitely said it right. Thinking out of that box of rules.
I remember looking into getting a camera converted (my old 7D) years ago but wasn't ready to do it. Now, as I look at adding a mirrorless to my lineup and taking the 7D out of the backup camera role, this inspires me to revisit that conversion again.
Beautiful shots and great content, thanks for sharing!
Tom - Loved the images!! I look forward to see what else you can create with it!
Just over a month ago I upgraded my Sony a6000 to a6400, I then had a full spectrum conversion on my a6000. I have to use filters on my lens, currently 680nm. The images I like the most take a white balance reading then swap the red and blue channels in software 😊
I converted my first Fuji, an XT-1 to IR last year. Took it to the Eastern Sierra in October to experiment and captured images alongside my “normal XH-1”. As my first foray into IR image making, I think I remained a bit restrictive in my shot selection, thinking only certain images would be worthy of capturing.
Your video has me excited to go back out and try some more. Loved your images and your video has reignited my passion and motivated me to go back out and capture images with an open mind. Thank you!
Been considering changing one of my older dslr’s to ir. Now I am for sure! Stunning images! Now you’ve gotten me excited to check out this direction as well.
At first it seems like a crazy idea, but the results you get are stunning. Full marks for executing an innovative idea, that gives you a new world of photography.
I've never been a fan of IR, but I must say your images were mesmerizing. I must reconsider my biases. Might be time to look for a camera that can be converted. I definitely would like to see more IR episodes.
Used to shoot a lot of IR in the film days and really enjoyed it. I've been meaning to get an old body converted. This just moved it back on my list of todos I keep forgetting to do. Can't wait to see how you get on with the new Ir camera.
Choose a camera that has direct view capabilities. Otherwise, it’s hit and miss.
Holy crapamundo Tom!! This was an AWESOME video!! Loved all the images...I might get one of my cameras converted after seeing this. Be sure to give us more in the future....I'll be waiting for it!!!
Thats fascinating !!! I for one would love to see more of this in different situations. Seeing the world thru a different eye is what experimentation is all about. I had no idea this concept was already being explored. Smashing !!!
Nice to see you giving thr infrared a go. I've been shooting on converted dslr's for 15 years and love the results. Make sure to also try the camera on dull days. The extra contrast from the 720nm can work wonders on days when the normal camera doesn't even leave the bag.
I'd love to see more infrared photography! I've been considering buying an already converted camera and getting into it myself, and I probably will eventually as it wouldn't be that expensive (they seem to be about £150 on ebay). Really curious to see what you're able to create
I hate to sound dumb, but I never knew it was even a thing, right?
@@elusivelens1744 Most DSLR cameras have an IR blocking filter right in front of the sensor. Conversion involves removing the filter and replacing it by one which blocks some or most of the visible light spectrum. 720 is the middle filter, and probably the most commonly used. The conversion means the camera won't take regular colour pics afterwards - so its best to commit a spare camera for conversion. This means carrying two bodies when you go out !! One thing to watch is that not all lenses are good for IR, some lenses exhibit a "hotspot" or area of low contrast in the middle of the image. The hotspot can vary depending on the scene,, I've never read a good explanation of what causes the hotspot.
if you want to get into ir photography for cheap, buy the cheapest compact camera you can find and remove the ir cut filter yourself. old cameras are usually very simple to take apart and the risk is very low because of the price.
@@merbella4201 I'll just have to keep an eye out for a spare body to possibly try something like this. Won't put my 5D Mark II through that.😄
i bought a converted full spectrum eos m200. cheapest model at lifepixel
Haven't seen you this much excited for a while:) I loved the infrared photos and would love to see more from you.
Wow. I have always found your energy contagious. You have taken it to a new level with the converted camera. I have been using a converted camera for several years as it allows me to shoot during the middle of day. Living in Alberta, I have explored the vast prairies trying to create minimalist images with the abandoned homesteads and vehicles scattered about. It is not for everyone, but personally I love it and it totally transforms the environment. City parks with reflecting ponds, structures with trees, simple bike paths curving through trees. Scenes are completely different as you are now looking on how the trees and vegetation work in your image. I really look forward to your journey with infrared.
I honestly feel the IR XT3 has to stay in the bag permanently now! It surely opens up more opportunities of creativity when out and about. I think you’d regret not having it with you know IF the perfect scenario arose, and in general too. I have a feeling IR photography could be very addictive! I can see many landscape photographers getting their old cameras lying around converted now, I’m going to get one done now too!
Welcome to the Club :)
You need to go full spectrum next !
Great fan,🎖💫
You are among the shortlisted Winners ❤️❤️ Use the Above name to Acknowledge your prize.,
Interestingly, I started with a full-spectrum in 2015 for my IR portrait work, and found I shot 99% of my IR imagery at 720nm, so my second camera was a dedicated 720nm Sony a6000.
Great video! I love that you start to do infrared photography! I had a camera converted (full spectrum) for myself and am very happy that you now give me loads of motivation and inspiration to pick it up again! More content like this is highly appreciated!! :)
That hand held shot with the gnarly leaves was incredible!❤️📷
Should you do more IR...most definitely! Photography is photography, and if you're excited then we the viewers get excited too.😁
PS I have an old camera that I've been contemplating converting to IR for some time now. You've made it harder to think of reasons not too.
Love your approach to IR photography here, and I completely agree that while gear should never be a crutch for creativity, sometimes something new that makes you see things in a different way can be hugely inspiring! With this in mind, I'd really love to see what you might do with IR film photography too. I can imagine you'd get some amazing images using either the Hasselblad or your Fuji GX617, shooting with an IR filter and a film stock like Rollei Infrared 400!
I've loved infrared for years. That's about as happy as I've seen you in months. Good luck with it and I wouldn't mind more of it in the future.
Love the images and even more I enjoyed how excited you seemed to be at your new creative approach.
Great images. I love infrared. Been shooting it for a couple of years, both color and black and white IR. I keep experimenting with it to learn more and improve my skills.
If you sometimes consider converting another camera, i would recommend converting it to full spectrum instead, as you get a lot more flexibility from it. With a full spectrum i put a filter in front and can then go 720nm as here, around 600nm for color infrared, 850nm or higher for more intense black and white shots and you can even get a filter to use it for regular visible light.
Tom, well I for one really enjoyed today’s video and as someone who has a few older Fuji X series cameras kicking around it made me think about perhaps also getting one of them converted. Really liked some of the images a lot, and as for future videos I think you should maybe take it with you on other shoots to give you a back up option for taking shots where the light doesn’t suit what you’d normally go for (supplementing other videos rather than having lots of dedicated infrared videos). Personally though I’d love to see you explore and show what other, less typical subject matter also looks good in infrared to broaden everyone’s understanding of what looks good this way. By the way, you never mentioned but does the conversion mean the autofocus still works the same, or do you need to adjust for infrared (like in the old days)?
On mirror less cameras the autofocus still works without any adjustments.
The textures on that tree trunk shot are amazing! Almost makes me want to do an IR conversion, great video Thomas!
Coincidentally, I recently bought a IR filter and tried playing with it. I actually had tried it long ago, but that was when I was just first trying photography and really didn't know what I was doing, and so that particular IR filter (for my kit lens) gathered dust. I thought it was a very neat coincidence when I saw this video.
Your joy and enthusiasm in this video are pretty infectious.
Really great images, Thomas! I had an X-T20 converted last year for B&W IR, and it is really fun pursuing this kind of photography, as you said, in the summer especially. A caveat or two: Not all lenses do well for IR. Stopping down past 5.6 or so, might create "hot spots" in your images. It does so with my camera, even using prime lenses. A great source to check your lenses and anything else about IR photography, especially for Fuji, is Rob Shea's YT channel.
Thanks again for a great video!
Just FYI, Tom. 720nm (nanometers) is the frequency of light in the near-infrared spectrum that this sensor is now sensitive to. Its called 'near-infrared' because 720nm is at the very extreme red end of the visible light spectrum which--under average conditions--runs from about 380nm to 750nm. There really is no hard limit, but human vision falls off rapidly above 700nm.
720nm is also sort of the traditional spectrum of IR film from ancient times, so it gives a familiar look.
Would this be possible to achieve with a filter?
@@elusivelens1744 Yes, though it looks like camera conversion might need a lot less light than a filter. That's what I've just read, so don't take my word as your answer. I would hesitate to limit my camera to IR when I could just use a filter. Filters look expensive and might be more tedious to use?
@@elusivelens1744 yes, it is achievable with a filter, but it depends on the camera body. Some have very strong infra red blocking filters on the sensor, so do not do well with a filter only. Canon is one such brand that have strong blocking filters. Olympus, by contrast, perform very well with filters. I can't speak of other brands, as I have not tried them personally.
@@jman6194 😁 I do shoot with a Canon (5D MII). Well, I'll have to keep an eye out for a spare body. Thanks.
@@23432 It seems a cheaper and safer version than a full conversion. I'll have to look into it. Thanks.
Wow! Loved it! That lone tree with the long limb looking like the string of cloud was pulling it along was fantastic! Great shots!
Woah! absolutely beautiful photos! Nice video and thanks for sharing you experience Thomas Heaton!
Hi Thomas!
I also had an "infrared phase" a few years ago and enjoyed the outerworldly looks very much.
Perhaps we should mention, that it's quite easy to create good simulations of ir-photographs by photoshop or affinity. Not everyone owns an unused second camera and the money to let it convert. 😉
I'd like to disagree with the simulation bit. Yes you can reduce the luminosity of the blue in the sky and increase that of greens then turn everything black and white but it will never have the same effect as an infrared photo. It's not colours that reflect infrared, it's particular materials. Without knowing how each material reflects infrared it'd be hard to simulate it. I took a photo of my friend wearing a white tshirt and blue jeans and in camera both looked just as white. His skin looked quite dark and his eyes looked very dark.
Infrared has as charm that you've captured perfectly especially with Image 6. Unfortunately it isn't always easy to get a camera modified for it.
I must say it's easier than one could expect: in Italy I found at least two professional labs that have no problems in doing these conersions tasks (for sure, not to be tried at one's home!). Shipping to and from the lab is part of the standard procedure. Last year, I paid 210 € for the conversion work (perfectly executed). Also, I think it's also very common to have a semi-obsolete digital camera at home, still working fine but less performing than a more modern camera. This was my case: my first digital mirrorless (a Lumix GH1) was lying in a drawer, overtaken by a state-of-the-art Olympus E-M5 MkII), and the IR conversion took it to a new life!
@@ivandalmonte2997 Can you provide a link to this lab?
Great to see you so fired up! Yes, I'd like to see more IR content (but not all the time!). I've thought a few times about getting a camera converted, this video has reminded me to look again, thanks Tom.
Glad to see you enjoying your creative endeavors!! Inspiring! Thanks Thomas!!
Tom, a few tips, use a polariser filter, it helps push the sky blacker. Also I find the silver Efex pro photoshop plug in from NIK(i think its NIK..) really helps in post to enhance the B&W aspect. You also need a lot of direct sunlight for IR photography, an overcast day isn't going to help the contrast. And the great thing with a converted camera is you can hand hold if needed, no long exposures like in the old days. There is a list somewhere on the net that shows all the fuji lens that dont suffer from a hotspot as some do.
Ive got some images on flikr using a converted xpro 1 & 2, just search my name and you will find them.
Have fun!
"my photos scare ppl"
I really like the videos with you trying out different ways to survive the abyss that is summer photography. Every landscape photographer struggles from time to time, but I like that you're being honest about it. Pano-camera, Hasselblad, IR conversion, they're all fun to watch.
Welcome to the IRclub. I converted a Nikon D50 back in 2006 and it has never disappointed me. I love being able to shoot handheld IR at all the way up to 1/250 @f11 or so... it is a game changer. I went out today and shot a few and landed on a solid one to add to the mix... Cheers.
Hey Thomas, how are you doing. Have you ever thought about astrophotography or shooting nightsky ever?? , if not ,i think it will be interesting to shoot some images of landscape with thousands of stars shining in background..it will be cool to try.....
I second this
Read about his meteor shot on his blog interesting story
@@11m.photography I third this
I fourth this
Fifth it! Come on Thomas - it would be great to see you work your magic!
I respect everyone who were involved in this Seriously the best piece that i ve ever seen on UA-cam 💌 Hate off to well all 💟 love your videos
Love the infrared!! It adds variety and inspiration similarly to the way your film videos mix it up and show us another more deliberate way of approaching things. Love the channel, and excellent work as always!! You’ve inspired this wildlife photographer to dabble more and more seriously in landscapes.
Don't think I've seen you quite so excited for a while, was lovely :) And the resulting images were beautiful, a very other-worldly feel to them. I'd love to see more of this and how you develop your IR photography. So keep doing it as and when you feel like it, whether that's a dedicated IR shoot or alongside your 'normal' landscape shoots when a scene presents itself.
Great fan,🎖💫
You are among the shortlisted Winners ❤️❤️ Use the Above name to Acknowledge your prize.,
Got myself a 715nm filter and a 30,5m bulk roll of Infrared 400 film and am aboslutely LOVING it, revitalizing!
I loved the IR shots - really dug the tree trunk and “lone tree” shots. Re: whether you should keep doing it, I say fit it in whenever you want, even if it’s just a couple IR shots here and there during “regular” videos. You clearly were having fun, almost giddy, about your new IR camera. And I personally think CCs are more fun to watch when they’re having fun, regardless of specific content itself.
Infrared videos from time to time is perfectly fine with me! Loved the images.
That snowy recap just made my day - I hate hot weather and find summer a photographic wasteland - oh for some snow! I've toyed with IR in the past using a filter and thought about converting my older Canon 5d mark 2 to IR - might still do it now!
So nice to see your renewed energy. I really like IR B&W images. So keep up the good work!
Enjoyed the infrared video, would be interested in other videos on this subject but we both enjoy your landscape photography. Keep doing what your doing, you always bring a smile to our faces. Cath & Ray
Thank you Thomas for this video full of inspiration! Keep up your original work on UA-cam!
Cracking images. Really enjoyed this additional dimension to your work, keep mixing it up.
Fantastic! Love it! Anything that keeps interest high and keeps you looking for the next composition. Thanks for your continued inspiration!
Yes well done 👍 love your Enthusiasm
The power / influence of a video is amazing…..I spoke with Protech today and as a result of this video they have been inundated with conversion orders……quoted turn around is now 8 weeks…they are very grateful but overwhelmed…I’m taking mine there this week ….great results Thomas….please share your editing There’s a lot of conflicting info out there
Great work on your IR images and this video explaining it. I felt like I was watching my own personal journey into this genre of photography. After years of getting out for sunrises and sunsets, I discovered IR photography and how I could now shoot through the middle of a sunny day. This has motivated me to get back out with my converter camera!
Love this!
I’m not sure what I enjoyed more - your beautiful images or your enthusiasm about the setup!
Congrats on both!
Loved the photos. I have enjoyed your videos over the last 4 years, but this was great.
Thomas thanks for posting a video that has you excited about photography. It really helps inspire others when someone shows how much they enjoy there creations
Stunning Photos! Thanks for the vid and now it's time for me to learn more about infrared photography.
Amazing shots! I met infrared photography for the first time, it just looks awesome!
The atmosphere you create with your videos are really calming and inspiring. I just love your kind sincereness and enthusiasm.
How refreshing! It’s so wonderful to see renewed energy end enthusiasm from you in your least favourite of seasons. In the final image I half expected to see 300 Spartans emerge over the horizon….very cinematic, dreamlike and almost otherworldly. You must give us more IR shots in the future. Thanks again for everything you put out there Tom.
PLEASE MORE about this Infrared camera! Its looks so interesting and I would love to see you experiment
Thomas I'm thrilled for you, man! I'm glad you found something to ease your summer slump. The images were breathtaking, and I can't wait to see what you come up with--
Such a useful good video. After 50 plus years of photography it's made me think about an old Canon 450D that I have sitting in my camera collection and getting that converted. I have so many ideas buzzing around my head.
Really good to see someone else promoting it. Still can't believe its as niche as it is!
My advice as someone whos done it:
1) Its not just a summer thing, winter landscapes work just as well in IR.
2) Its not just for Landscape. I've done some really interesting work for Flash and Daylight based portraits
More please Thomas! Your enthusiasm is infectious.
Beautiful, the trees all look like they are in full bloom, amazing
Love the infrared and like the previous commenter stated, your enthusiasm. My own infrared converted camera has really helped me broaden my portfolio, learn more about photography, and opens up summer to more of a delight while waiting for winter landscape bliss.
These images are stunning Thomas and I would love you to keep exploring this every now and again. Well more often than. that - but not all the time. It is fascinating! Images look so snowy yet not! Beautiful!
Infrared is now my thing, fallen in love with it soon as I grasped my eyes upon it, after watching your video. Always loved cullercoats so that my first portal call. Cracking photos Tom 👌
Absolutely Gorgeous!! I have always been fascinated by IR photography. I would love to see more videos like this.
YEEEESSSSS Thomas!
This is fabulous work. You're right, those are some fantastic "lone tree" images.
I know you love the B&W but don't dismiss that with a custom white balance and a channel swap in post you can draw some lovely colour out of a 720nm filter.
Please accept my + vote for rotating some IR content into your regular channel schedule
Been kinda looking into ir conversions cause the pictures are so cool then you posted this! Looks so fun and fresh, looked like you felt the same, and while I definitely think normal photography is better overall, I'd still be thrilled to see an ir photography video from you every so often
Awesome video... Just got a converted t6i myself and I'm yet to take it out but I'm quite excited with the possibilities!! Whatever keeps you inspired and excited on this journey, do it! We would love to go on that journey with you!!
I love your new found IR enthusiasm. It is contagious. Last image is my favorite. Two thumbs up.
I haven't seen you smile so much in a video for a long time. What an awesome idea and a way to get creative juices flowing. Great stuff!!!