Digital BW, The Print

--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "yaakovsinclair" <sinclair@...> wrote:
>
> I'm considering getting my Canon adapted by Lifepixel to be infrared
> sensitive.
> They remove the factory filter in front of the sensor which stops IR
> getting through.
>   This allows the full spectrum of to be read by the sensor.
>   My question is -  could I do the filtering in photoshop afterwards to
> achieve the effect of an opaque IR filter or would I need to use an
> opaque IR filter in the field. (This would make shooting much easier as
> I wouldn't have to use a tripod and shoot 'blind')
> This is probably not the best forum to ask this question, but it's
> certainly a black and white question -- ( even if the answer may not be
> b and w...)
> BTW -- is there another forum that would suit this question better?
> Many thanks to all in advance
> Yaakov Asher Sinclair
> Visit my website <http://seasonsofthemoon.com>


Yaakov,

I converted a Canon 20D to dedicated IR using LifePixel.  They do remove the standard IR blocking filter and replace it with one of three filters....the "Standard IR filer" (which I selected, equivalent to a Hoya R72), a filter that allows more visible color wavelengths pass and is suitable for more vibrant color work, and one that is exclusively B/W.  

With the standard filter, I can do both B/W and color, but the color is limited, at least straight out of the box.  If color is your main concern, then the color IR filter might be a better choice.  If you do exclusively B&W, then the B&W IR filter gives a more dramatic look (darker skies, etc).  However, in Photoshop, you can achieve the effect of the B&W filter with a little post processing.  

For my needs, the standard filter does the trick.  You can begin to approach an "IR look" using Lightroom or ACR and a standard camera, but you probably won't be able to get there, since the IR filter allows a completely different spectrum of wavelengths to reach the sensor.  Once captured, you can do the normal edits in Photoshop, or lightroom.  One suggestion is to take a custom white balance on greenery before shooting, so natural greenery is close to neutral.  Greenery emits a LOT of IR, and blue skies and water tend to emit very little.  

I have been very satisfied with LifePixel's service and the quality of my conversion.  They not only replace the filter, they readjust the auto focus, which is slightly different for IR light.  You can view a few samples in my IR gallery if you wish.  www.DinaGraphics.com/photos.php.  

Hope this helps.  

Lou Dina
www.DinaGraphics.com