Sunday, March 5, 2017
Winter in the Adirondacks - Infrared
I've visited the Adirondacks Park several times the past 3 years between the months of May through October but never in the winter. I have often visualized in my mind what a particular scene would look like covered in snow and ice but I was captivated by the texture, contrast and clarity in the landscape. These characteristics suggested to me that they should look riveting in the Infrared spectrum. We visited our favourite locations and captured the landscape in the 665 and 850 nm spectrums. As always this region did not fail to trigger an emotional response.
Friday, March 25, 2016
Rose Coloured Glasses
As photographers we all are guilty of getting sometimes overly attached to the images that we make. We tend to view them with "Rose Coloured Glasses" and because of the strong emotional attachment we can over estimate the true impact.
Just recently I had a conversation with a local artist and gallery owner who passed on a word of caution as I am about to embark upon a new venture to offer my own work and printing services publicly. His comment was that we as artists can often be misled by what we feel is a strong image vs. what pleases the general public. He showed me an example from his gallery of a scene that he particularly liked which doesn't sell and another that flies off the shelf.
As I looked at his example I immediately became very conflicted about an image that I recently took during a trip to Quebec that I absolutely love!
This subject, an Arctic Fox in captivity, was being particularly playful during a snow storm. I made several images while the critter played in the snow but this particular composition overwhelmed me to the point that perhaps I am too emotionally attached. What draws me to it are two elements that are very near and dear to my heart strings when it comes to photography ... minimalism and very subtle tonality. Note to those overly obsessed with competing ... these elements don't usually score very well in many judges eyes but don't let that dissuade you.
Being a huge fan of black and white, I naturally had to convert the colour version. I like each version so much to the point that I am considering offering it as a limited edition print.
This image in my minds eye delivers the elements of less is more and subtle tones in spades however am I too emotionally attached?
You be the judge!
Thanks for viewing
Dave Lindey
Nature's Face Photography
Just recently I had a conversation with a local artist and gallery owner who passed on a word of caution as I am about to embark upon a new venture to offer my own work and printing services publicly. His comment was that we as artists can often be misled by what we feel is a strong image vs. what pleases the general public. He showed me an example from his gallery of a scene that he particularly liked which doesn't sell and another that flies off the shelf.
As I looked at his example I immediately became very conflicted about an image that I recently took during a trip to Quebec that I absolutely love!
This subject, an Arctic Fox in captivity, was being particularly playful during a snow storm. I made several images while the critter played in the snow but this particular composition overwhelmed me to the point that perhaps I am too emotionally attached. What draws me to it are two elements that are very near and dear to my heart strings when it comes to photography ... minimalism and very subtle tonality. Note to those overly obsessed with competing ... these elements don't usually score very well in many judges eyes but don't let that dissuade you.
Being a huge fan of black and white, I naturally had to convert the colour version. I like each version so much to the point that I am considering offering it as a limited edition print.
This image in my minds eye delivers the elements of less is more and subtle tones in spades however am I too emotionally attached?
You be the judge!
Thanks for viewing
Dave Lindey
Nature's Face Photography
Sunday, April 12, 2015
Infrared Play Toys
With the "Infrared" season right around the corner in the Niagara Region, We took out a couple of recent additions to the IR toy box for a test drive. I recently sent a Nikon D200 and Nikon D7100 for infrared conversion. Joining my 590nm and 665nm Nikon D200's are another Nikon D200 converted to the 850nm wavelength and a Nikon D7100 converted to 720nm. The recent conversions were done by Kolarivision who provided excellent support and service and I would wholeheartedly recommend to anyone considering getting a digital camera converted for dedicate IR service. To say I am a little addicted to infrared imagery would be an understatement!
We visited the Louth Conservation Area in the Niagara Region this am in search of spring wildflowers and while it was a little early for the spring beauties, there was plenty of subject opportunities to test drive the new toys.
The images aren't the most artful, but they do illustrate the basic difference in what is capable from these particular conversions.
My reason for an 850nm conversion was because of my fondness of B&W imagery and to be able to obtain an infrared B&W image directly out of the camera. The hope was to get an image with greater tonal range without having to spend a lot of time in the digital darkroom. There is little to no colour information recorded by the camera sensor with a deep IR conversion. One disadvantage is the exposure required is about 1 to 1-1/2 stops longer as compared to a shorter wavelength conversion. The other difference is that a FAUX Colour image is not possible because of the fact that there is no colour information recorded. The key benefit is a full tonal range capture with very little post processing. If you are a fan of B&W imagery ... this is your ticket to heaven!
The 720nm conversion allows some colour to pass and be recorded to the camera sensor. The great advantage is that there are 3 possible outputs ... an as shot image with some "reds" being recorded, a FAUX Colour image after the customary channel swap and finally a B&W image created from the FAUX Colour or as shot version.
We visited the Louth Conservation Area in the Niagara Region this am in search of spring wildflowers and while it was a little early for the spring beauties, there was plenty of subject opportunities to test drive the new toys.
The images aren't the most artful, but they do illustrate the basic difference in what is capable from these particular conversions.
My reason for an 850nm conversion was because of my fondness of B&W imagery and to be able to obtain an infrared B&W image directly out of the camera. The hope was to get an image with greater tonal range without having to spend a lot of time in the digital darkroom. There is little to no colour information recorded by the camera sensor with a deep IR conversion. One disadvantage is the exposure required is about 1 to 1-1/2 stops longer as compared to a shorter wavelength conversion. The other difference is that a FAUX Colour image is not possible because of the fact that there is no colour information recorded. The key benefit is a full tonal range capture with very little post processing. If you are a fan of B&W imagery ... this is your ticket to heaven!
The 720nm conversion allows some colour to pass and be recorded to the camera sensor. The great advantage is that there are 3 possible outputs ... an as shot image with some "reds" being recorded, a FAUX Colour image after the customary channel swap and finally a B&W image created from the FAUX Colour or as shot version.
Nikon D200 - 850nm Deep IR Conversion
Nikon D7100 - 720nm IR Conversion - B&W from FAUX Colour
The lens used for both images was the Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8. Images ingested with Ingestamatic, Phase One Capture 1 for RAW processing and finished with Photoshop CC and NIK filters. Thanks to Kolarivision for their channel swap action in creating the FAUX Colour image from the 720nm file.
Did I mention that I can't wait for Infrared season which is just around the corner?
If you are interested in getting started with Infrared photography consider attending one of my field workshops. Plenty of loaner cameras for you to test drive yourself!
I can be contacted at dave.lindey@gmail.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)