Shooting Digital Infrared
Best subjects
For subject ideas, check out the about infrared page.
Converted cameras
If your digital camera doesn't block infrared light or you've removed the filter, you can even shoot action photos in infrared. For most shots in sunlight, you won't need a tripod.
Unconverted cameras
If your camera blocks a lot of infrared light, you'll need a tripod. For best results, shoot outdoors on a sunny day. This will lessen exposure times and make the infrared effect more pronounced.
1. Miscellaneous Settings
Flash
Before you do anything, turn off your camera's automatic flash. The dark filters will trigger the flash because so little visible light passes through -- but the flash can distort infrared, so it's usually best to leave it off.
Monochrome
If your camera has a black and white function, turn it on. You won't have to do as much work in Photoshop and your LCD screen will look closer to "the real thing."
Manual settings
Finally, most automatic settings in digital cameras will not work well with infrared filters. Occasionally, an automatic exposure time will work well -- you can test this out or use a manual exposure.
2. Focus
You're ready to set up the camera for a specific picture. Once you place the filter over the lens, you won't be able to see much through the viewfinder or LCD. So, before you put the filter on, focus the camera and take a test shot of your subject. Adjust the focus slightly closer than you would normally.
3. ISO
Both ISO and long exposure times cause noise in digital pictures. Adjust your ISO to as slow a speed as possible -- 50 is a good number.
4. Exposure
Take a test exposure shot with the filter on. After shooting, look at the histogram. Keep adjusting exposure until you get a broad histogram that isn't cut off at the bright end.
5. Shoot!
I like taking several shots of the same subject to understand how your camera responds to different settings in infrared. Don't be surprised in the images look a bit funky to you -- you can edit them in Photoshop to look like classic infrared photos.