The Art of Infrared Landscape Photography

In landscape photography, the choice of equipment and approach can significantly influence the outcome of a photographer’s work. This is especially true when exploring specialized techniques like infrared photography, which offers a unique perspective on familiar landscapes.

Coming to you from Steve O'Nions, this captivating video showcases a journey through North Wales using an infrared digital camera. O'Nions starts his day early to capture the serene beauty of the landscape, revealing how the infrared technique cuts through atmospheric haze, offering crisp and ethereal images. The use of infrared photography in landscape shooting, as O'Nions demonstrates, adds a dimension of creativity and novelty, transforming the familiar into something extraordinary. This method is particularly effective in highlighting contrasts and bringing out hidden details in nature, which conventional photography might overlook. 

O'Nions' emphasis on the importance of being flexible and responsive to the environment is a valuable lesson. His decision to switch between infrared and traditional film based on the conditions demonstrates an adaptive approach to photography and sensitivity to what he needs to complete an image. Infrared photography, as seen in O'Nions' work, excels in certain lighting conditions, particularly in highlighting the ethereal aspects of the landscape under the right atmospheric parameters. Check out the video above for the full rundown from O'Nions.

Alex Cooke's picture

Alex Cooke is a Cleveland-based portrait, events, and landscape photographer. He holds an M.S. in Applied Mathematics and a doctorate in Music Composition. He is also an avid equestrian.

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