The Divine Spectrum – Surreal World of Infrared Photography

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There’s something extraordinary—almost transcendental—about seeing the surreal world in a way the human eye was never meant to. Infrared photography allows us to do just that. It peels back the familiar surface of reality, revealing a surreal, dreamlike dimension where trees glow white like celestial beings, skies turn deep obsidian, and the very air seems to shimmer with mystery. Whether in stark black and white or ethereal color, infrared photography allows us to see not only the landscape but also the hidden poetry within it.

The Aesthetic Mystery of Infrared

Color infrared creates fantastical palettes—leaves turn a soft blush or brilliant white, skies take on deep cerulean or ink-black tones, and the entire image gains a painterly texture, reminiscent of surrealist art. These aren’t simply altered images; they’re visions. The surreal world of infrared photography looks more like a lucid dream than a literal depiction of nature.

Black and white infrared, on the other hand, is timeless and dramatic. It strips away the distractions of color and intensifies contrasts, revealing deep, soul-stirring textures and forms. It captures an almost spiritual silence—a purity of vision that speaks beyond the visual into something mythic and eternal.

Seeing in the Divine Spectrum

Infrared photography allows us to view in a spectrum just beyond human sight, often called the "divine spectrum." It shows life not as we perceive it, but as it radiates energy. Chlorophyll in leaves reflects infrared light, giving foliage its signature white glow, while skies, water, and skin absorb it, creating stark contrasts and otherworldly visual tensions.

This isn't just an aesthetic experiment—it’s a shift in perspective. It reminds us that our everyday reality is just a fragment of a much broader, unseen world. There's mysticism in this. A tree isn't just a tree—it becomes a symbol, an entity, an expression of divine energy.

Practical Aspects – Gear & Technique

Camera:Start with a full-spectrum modified camera or convert an old DSLR. I personally prefer modified full-frame cameras like the Canon 5D series or Sony A7 series for their dynamic range and lens compatibility.

Lenses:Use prime lenses with minimal hot-spotting. Some lenses create bright spots in the center of IR images—something to avoid. Excellent choices include:

• Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 (minimal hot-spot)

• Nikon AF-S 35mm f/1.8G

• Sony Zeiss 55mm f/1.8

Filters:If you’re not shooting with a converted body, you’ll need infrared filters. Top choices include:

• Hoya R72 (passes wavelengths >720nm; classic, good for deep contrast)

• TVNYRVZA (designed for color infrared with Kodak Aerochrome simulation)

• B+W 093 (strong IR effect, deep BW drama)

Make sure to use a tripod and long exposures when using filters on unconverted cameras, as IR light requires longer exposure times.

Digital Development – Adobe Lightroom Workflow

1. White Balance Correction:Infrared images typically have extreme color casts. Set your custom white balance using a neutral area (like foliage). In RAW, use Lightroom’s Temp slider far into the blue and Tint toward green.

2. Channel Swap for Color IR (optional):To achieve dreamy blue skies and white leaves, swap the red and blue channels in Photoshop or use LR plug-ins. Alternatively, embrace the unexpected hues.

3. Desaturation for BW IR:Convert to black and white in Lightroom, then push clarity, contrast, and adjust the luminance sliders (especially yellows and greens) for glowing foliage and moody skies.

4. Dehaze & Texture:A small dehaze boost can add depth. Texture helps reveal those delicious micro-contrasts IR captures so well.

5. Noise Reduction:IR often produces grain in shadows—light noise reduction helps maintain ethereal smoothness without compromising details.

Final Words – An Invitation to Surreal World of Infrared Photography

Infrared photography is an invitation to rediscover the world. It allows you to see life’s hidden radiance, to dive into realms that feel half-remembered from dreams or myths. It breaks rules and dissolves realism, replacing it with awe.

So, if you’ve never tried it—do. Start small. Experiment. Convert an old camera or try an IR filter. Walk under trees and witness them glow like spirits. Point your lens at the sky and see it shift into something divine. Infrared photography doesn’t just show you a different world—it makes you feel differently about the one you live in.

Stay curious, stay inspired—Igor Vasiliadis

Let your slogan to be: Through my lens, the invisible becomes unforgettable.