I had just purchased a new d80, and rather than sell my old d70, I decided to send it off to Lifepixel; http://www.lifepixel.com/index.html ...to be converted to full time Infrared capture. Before these conversions were available, I used a Hoya R72 filter, which gave similar IR results, but needed about 9 stops more exposure. With my converted camera, handheld photography is now possible, and I can stop down for more depth of field. Focusing is also much easier without an opaque filter over the lens.

If you feel yourself becoming addicted to IR photography, there is help ...

The SIX STEP Program

1. Admit you are powerless over Infrared Radiation. You can't control IR, but you can embrace it and covet it.

2. Yield to the temptation to buy new equipment. Filters, software, new full-frame SLRs, you need these things, they need you!

3. Seek out kindred souls. There are more of us out there. They must be found and encouraged in their IR endeavors.

4. Make amends for past errors in the visible spectrum. This is a tough one, but you know you did bad things between 400-700 nanometers. Go back and re-shoot every visible exposure in IR.

5. Spread the word! Put your IR photos into a web gallery, join a forum like this one. Print your images big and display them proudly to the visible spectrum mongers.

6. Make IR a part of your daily life. Carry your camera everywhere, seek out new IR subjects, indulge in an IR chant, breathe...think...dream in IR.