As we move halfway through the second month of 2008, I wanted to introduce my new “toy”.  Yes, we tend to call new equipment “toys” and this particular toy is one I’ve been wanting for a long time.  What is it?  Well, it’s a camera modified for “infrared photography”.

Now, what is “infrared photography”?   No, it’s not what you see on TV where you see “thermal images”.  In this case, it is a camera that has been specially modified to be sensitive to “near infrared light”.   What does this mean and why would I want it?  Well, it allows for some really cool looking images - specially outdoors.  With an IR camera, greens such as those in grass and tree leaves reflect the most light back - and appear white.  Skies reflect the least amount of IR light - resulting in very dark skies.

My intent is to use it primarily to document outdoor images of venues and wedding locations.  In addition, experimenting with it for “different” looking portraits is in order too as IR modified cameras actually tend to “penetrate” a little bit into the skin - providing some very rich, creamy, smooth skin textures. 

If you’re technically inclined, you can read more about it at WikiPedia but it’s best to just show you some of the results.

So, that’s it for the new toy.  I look forward to further experimentation with it and to providing more image options to my couples in the future.