Interesting Photo of the Day: Infrared New Zealand

Interesting Photos

Infrared photography offers us the ability and opportunity to explore a whole new world around us. Because infrared light lies outside of our visible spectrum, we cannot naturally perceive it. So, when we use an infrared film or specialized camera to capture an infrared image, we get to see the reality that is often very different from what we’re used to seeing. Take for instance the following image shot by photographer Jason De Freitas. He shot it at the Milford Valley in New Zealand and is unlike anything we’ve ever seen:

“Infrared Photograph of the Milford Valley in New Zealand” by Jason de Freitas (Via Reddit. Click image to see full size.)

Freitas shot the image with a Bronica SQ-A 6×6 medium format camera and using Kodak Aerochrome film. The Aerochrome is an infrared-sensitive, false-color reversal film that was originally designed for aerial surveying. The film responds like regular color film, except that the red dye layer is also sensitive to infrared frequencies. This is abundantly reflected off foliage, which is why you can see those unique red and pink tones.

While the landscape is a beauty in itself, it’s the dyed color of the vegetation that draws all the attention. And since it’s rare that we have such colored vegetation so widespread, it gives an alien feeling to the landscape.

Have you ever tried your hands with infrared photography? We’d love to know about your experience in the comments below.