Infrared Experiment

[dlindey]

I just got a new toy ... a LifePixel enhance color IR converted D200 and I've been itching to experiment. On my way home from work this evening I stopped by a local swamp and took this image. There appears to be a "hot" spot in the center of the image with the lens that I'm using. Post Processing was PS CS4 with levels, channel mixer red/blue swap and Silver Efex Pro adjustment layer treatment. I believe that I need to do some work on programming in custom white balance and the "hot" spot in the center concerns me.

Its not the best subject or composition but comments and critique are welcome.

Thanks

[mobyvic24]

Not Bad! What nm is the camera converted to? Alittle more contrast might be good but that is just me.

[mark]

I don't see the spot in this image but hot spots will be lens dependent on the lens, not the body. Good first image. A little dark. Could you post a small version of a unprocessed image for us to see?

[mark]

I wanted to tell you that i have a great Photoshop plugin and a discussion on it for the channel swap on my blog. There is a download button on the right side that wipe put it on your computer. I think that it is the best swap with adjustments that I have ever seen?

It is at:

Www.infraredatelier.wordpress.com

Keep the images coming!

[lgrbich]

I have to agree with both Victor and Mark, I would also like to see it a bit darker! Very nice first image! Glad to see you having fun with IR!!! Welcome to the IR institution (kinda like sanitarium!! LOL). It's a terrible addiction!! :)

[dlindey]

The enhanced color conversion is equivalent to 665nm. Attached is a 750px jpg conversion from the original raw nef image. When I look at the out of the camera image using PhotoMechanic the red cast seems more vivid and the there appears to be more contrast. When the image is loaded into CameraRaw it appears flat. I agree that the original image lacks contrast. Post processing is a challenge right now. I'd appeciate any tips.

Thanks for the comments

[mark]

Did you white balance the camera? If so how? This is the most important step in IR photography.

[dlindey]

Mark:

I didn't white balance the camera but the person who I purchased it from did program 2 custom white balance settings. I believe he shot green foliage to establish the white balance. I think I must program my own settings. I don't know how to do it yet but will research methods. Is there anything that you can offer?

Thanks

[mark]

NO GOOD!!! :( You MUST white balance new every time you change your lens or put on a filter!

Your camera will have some sort of programmable button that you can set up as a one push white balance function. Do this! This is important in order to get the histogram properly calibrated to the new light spectrum. Plus you will see a more black & white image on the LCD screen. Shoot in RAW, process with the NEW version of ACR (Adobe) because it will tell Photoshop what the white balance is where as the older versions will not. If you can convert your raw converter to Capture One Version 5 (125.00) for a much better process and controls.

You can WB on the green grass (in the sun) or use a BRNO wb lens cap! I like the lens cap the best, it gives great results and you do not need to find grass!

[mark]

OK, I took your image (unprocessed and ran it thru my workflow in about 1 min. Here is the Faux processed image:

[mark]

Here is the attempt to post your image processed B&W. The forum software will likely stop the post due to the 1 image per day rule.......

[mark]

OK color me confused! Forum told me NO POST but here it is......

[rb54542000]

Amazing transformation, Mark!! This is catching on-I tried Jimmy's Fuji today @ Brookgreen-impressive just in camera, can't wait to see the final results! You're starting a 'whole new ball game here' !

[dlindey]

Mark

Very nice post processing! I assume that you used the workflow discussed in your blog. You mention that Viveza is one of the more important tools in your workflow. Do you do a red/blue chanel swap before creating a Viveza layer?

You can see the hot spot in the center of the image as I mentioned in the original post.

Thanks for the tips!

[dlindey]

Here is the attempt to post your image processed B&W. The forum software will likely stop the post due to the 1 image per day rule.......
Awesome B&W conversion. I really need to get a handle on the post processing workflow. This really is addictive ... the clouds are starting to build and I'm heading out to capture a few more images.

[mark]

Mark

Very nice post processing! I assume that you used the workflow discussed in your blog. You mention that Viveza is one of the more important tools in your workflow. Do you do a red/blue chanel swap before creating a Viveza layer?

You can see the hot spot in the center of the image as I mentioned in the original post.

Thanks for the tips!

I do NOT see a spot, I see cloud reflections in the center, but that does NOT mean they are not there. Go to a different lens, spots are lens dependent, and see if you like the results better!

Yes I follow what you have read in the blog. I do the channel swap first, but use a photoshop action which can be downloaded in my blog.

I have a basic & advanced Infrared workshop scheduled this month and again in August. You can get info on it at www.thelensworkgallery.com