Film Info:
I will not spend a lot of time discussing the technical aspects of infra-red film. There is a lot of information on the web that will give you the technical information you need to better understand the film. I will provide links below to some for the better sites providing information on the film.
Why Infra-Red Film?
I will share with you why I choose to use infra-red film. I have always felt that I could see things differently than most other's. Often I would hear a friend say a negative comment about something they saw, when I would actually feel just the opposite. It didn't seem to matter what the object was, I guess I just had a talent for finding beauty in things other's took for granted. As my photography career began to grow, I started to feel more of a connection with the subjects I was shooting. I started to feel that it was important to provide the people who viewed my work with an opportunity to see and feel the same thing I did while making the image. Infra-red film has proven to be the best film to accomplish that. It allows me to print images that are bold and vivid. I choose to shoot the film at a high ISO(500), which makes for sharper images with high contrast. In other words, extremely dramatic images that provoke moods and feelings. This allows the viewer to feel similar feelings to what I felt when standing there in person. Quite often, people who see my images will say things like," Wow, where is that at? That's an incredible photograph." That's exactly the kind of response I like to hear. To me, normal black & white images don't speak the same language that infra-red does.
Effect
Infra-red film records what is known as near visible light. It does not record heat, however, conditions sometimes change when it is hot. Several different things make for good sources of reflection of infra-red light waves. Anything white or really light in color, green foliage, and the human body. The lighter in color, the more it will reflect infra-red. In other word's, a scene with lot's of green foliage in it will be very dreamlike. The infra-red reflection records as a very heavy exposure on the film. This in turn prints as a frosty white in the final image. Clouds are excellent infra-red reflectors and will be very white and dramatic in the final print. Clear skies and water, however, will show up dark or black in the final print. This really adds to the over all contrast of the print.
Exposure
There are a lot of people who say that the only way to shoot infra-red film is 1/125th of a second @ f11. This is entirely untrue. It just so happens that that particular exposure works almost all of the time while in bright sun light. There are many other conditions, however, that require different exposures. Take the image below.
This is an image done at sunset. Prior to seeing someone else's low light infra-red work, I would have never thought to use this film under these conditions. What I learned is that when you find the right medium, don't be afraid to experiment with it. Infra-red film can provide outstanding images under many different lighting conditions.
ISO
Infra-red film can also be rated at a lower ISO, which will give images with lower contrast and more grain. This can work really well with different subject matter like nudes. When I talk about ISO, keep in mind that infra-red film does not have a set ISO. It does have recommendations for starting points. I would suggest reading the Infra-red Photography Handbook by Laurie White for a better understanding of ISO ratings.
Development
Development is another issue that you may need to experiment with. First let me remind you, that I only shoot with Kodak's version of infra-red film. Kodak always has suggestions on the development of their film's, however, that doesn't always mean you should follow them. Most infra-red heads will tell you to develop your film for 11 minutes at 68 degrees. PERIOD! In other words, never stray from this formula. I do follow that formula every single time I develop my film. I'm not saying you should do the same, but it is a good starting point. Don't be afraid to adjust times and temps for different results. Make sure you check the links below for more suggestions. Once you do find what work's for you, stick with it. Infra-red film can be very unpredictable at times, so it is important to have some controls.
Filtration
Filtration is always something to remember. Infra-red film requires that you use a red filter. I prefer a #25 red. There are darker filters that will increase the infra-red effect, but I personally don't care for that look. Other filters include a #29 red and a #89 red. The latter of the two blocks out all visible light. In other words, you must first focus, then place the filter on your lens.
Loading Your Film
Kodak's infra-red film MUST be loaded in complete darkness! There are no alternatives to this. This film has no anti-halation coating, so it is over susceptible to sun light even when rolled all the way into the canister. Carry a small changing bag with you wherever you go. Practice loading you camera in the bag using some old expired film first. Remember, THIS RULE MUST NEVER BE BROKEN!!! Trust me, I have tried other ways, thinking it was dark enough. NOT!
Other Films?
Do I use other films? Of course! As an artist, I reserve the right to always be open to other things. I do some portraiture work from time to time, and although I love seeing people in infra-red, it just doesn't work all of the time. I also shoot in color from time to time. I like all sorts of photography. After all, how can you appreciate the great photographer's if you can't do that kind of work yourself. And let's not forget what it's like to be frustrated and lost. Sometimes an artist need to stray from his normal path in order to re-find himself.
Links
These are links to websites that will provide you with additional information on infa-red film. They are quite excellent! I hope you find the answers you are looking for...
Kodak's Technical Sheet This is a PDF file right from Kodak! You will need Adobe Acrobat to read it. Click below to download from Adobe.
The Spearmint Guide to Infra-Red This is a great site with graphs and other technical info on infra-red film.
Joe Paduano Joe has written books on infra-red photography in general, and infra-red nude photography. Great source for info. Plus he replies to e-mail questions!
Diane Syme Excellent online gallery with great info in the film.
Laurie White Click here to find Laurie's book on Amazon.com.
