DIY Infrared Filters in Photography

Infrared filters distort color in a fanciful and creative fashion.

Photography means, literally, "drawing with light." Photographers manipulate light to change the final effect. While most photography utilizes the visible part of the electromagnetic spectrum, which renders colors and objects as they appear to the naked eye, infrared photography uses a different wavelength of light, one that can distort the image in fantastical and aesthetically appealing ways. Normally blue skies, for example, appear in shades of purple, and green foliage becomes bright white, orange or blue. Commercially available infrared filters can be costly, but if you're a DIY-inclined photographer, you can make your own infrared filter from basic materials. This filter works with both digital and analog cameras, including digital single-lens reflex equipment and older film SLRs.

Things You'll Need

• Slide film (120-grade for 35 millimeter cameras)
• Clear filter
• Scissors
• Black tape
• Glue (optional)

Instructions

1. Develop the unexposed slide film, either in your own dark room or at your local photo shop.

2. Place the developed slide film behind the glass of the clear filter mount. Use scissors to cut away excess film in order to match the size of the slide film to the size of the clear filter. Fit the slide film precisely in the filter mount so visible light can't get through; otherwise, it negates the infrared effect.

3. Secure the infrared filter to the filter mount using black tape or glue. Use black tape to cover any exposed area on the clear filter not covered by the slide film.

4. Screw the filter onto the camera lens and shoot images you want to see in infrared.

Tips & Warnings

• The infrared filter may interfere with your camera's auto-focus function, so it's best to use manual focus when shooting with the filter attached.

References

• Pixiq; Create Your Own IR Pass Filter; Haje Jan Kamps; April 2006
• "The Art of Infrared Photography"; Joseph Paduano; 1998