Infrared (IR) Filters for DSLR Cameras

Shooting with an IR filter is totally alien, though. To begin with, an IR filter cuts out all visible light. Yep, you don't see a thing when you have an IR filter attached to your lens. So how do you shoot with one of these on your camera? You use manual focus and metering. Focus on your subject without the filter attached. Then attach the filter and set your exposure to about three seconds to start (yes, you will be using a tripod). The great part about shooting IR with digital is that you can see the results on the LCD and make needed adjustments to the exposure based on the histogram.

An IR filter adds a very different look to your images. The following one required a very long exposure (about 5 seconds).

The following shot, taken within minutes of the one shown above, shows what the scene looks like with no filter.

You can also simulate IR in software with filters that work in Photoshop.