DIY: Thermal Photography

Thermal photography is also known as infrared photography. Photographers often use infrared photography for the stunning and dreamlike images created by infrared light. Most digital single reflex lens cameras can take infrared photos with the right accessories. These are readily available from most photography supply stores.

Things You'll Need

• IR lens filter
• Processed negative
• Tape
• Tripod

Instructions

1. Select the camera you wish to use. There are two different options along divergent paths. You may use either a dSLR or a commercial point-and-shoot camera.

2. Use a point-and-shoot camera for quick infrared shots. These cameras give the user less control over features like shutter speed and white balance.

3. Shoot with a dSLR for greater control. The disadvantage is that dSLRs may have better IR filters inside the camera increasing exposure time to 1-2 seconds.

4. Apply the commercial lens filter or processed negative to the lens. The processed negative can be used as a cheap alternative to commercially available IR filters. Carefully tape the processed negative to the camera so that it covers the entire area of the lens.

5. Attach the camera to the tripod and set up the tripod to shoot your subject. Set the shutter speed to 1-2 seconds depending on ambient light levels and release the shutter.

6. Check the exposure and adjust shutter speed and aperture as needed to correct the exposure.

Tips & Warnings

• Experiment with different ways to create IR photography. There's one that will work for you.

• Although it's possible to remove the IR filter built in to many cameras, it may not be advisable if you have little to no experience repairing cameras.

References

• DIY Photography: Take Infrared Pictures with your Digital Camera