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ctfchallenge | all galleries >> Challenge 140 - Water >> Eligible > Pond v.3
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17-AUG-2007 Michael Shealy

Pond v.3

Canon EOS D30 ,Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6
1/125s f/9.5 at 28.0mm iso400 full exif

other sizes: small medium original auto
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ctfchallenge25-Aug-2007 21:17
Thanks for commenting, folks.
Rod - This cam has had the internal IR filter (that reduces IR) removed so it isn't necessary to add a filter (called an IR filter, but they reduce visible light and allow IR to pass) to accomplish IR images. The exposure is very close to 'normal' exposures, a small adjustment is all, i.e. no tripod, no external filter and the viewfinder is 'normal'. I still will need to carry two cameras if I want IR images, yes ":^( Oh, well.
TomD - I've been experimenting with all kinds of different treatments and having a ball. At first I was a bit disappointed in the IR but have since changed my mind. It produces images that make what normally would be a "mundane" picy into something "other-worldly". Someone called them "alien", and that probably isn't far from true, as insects have "full-spectrum" vision, why wouldn't "aliens"?
CJ - There are two problems with using an IR filter on an unmodified cam: 1) They exclude visible light (making the viewfinder useless) and 2) they require around a 10 second exposure in daylight, which obviously makes all motion into a blur. I tried the filter approach and it was just enough to spur me on to buying the D30 and having it modified. I have a 67mm IR filter (R72) that I'm not using and I'll be happy to send it to anyone who wants it for the postage ":^) but watch out, you may get hooked!!
One other note on IR: "Modern" expensive lenses have color coatings that make IR shots "glow" in the middle of the image, so only some older or less expensive lenses are suitable. Note: I'm using an EF-S 18-55 (removed the -S for the D30) and it works fine.
Cheers, -mikey
ctfchallenge25-Aug-2007 16:04
Lovely Mikey! I really need to try this but without an IR camera, I guess I'll just have to enjoy your shots! CJ
Guest 25-Aug-2007 06:27
Great combination of colors! I like this much better than the B&W. ps; I agree about the out-of-cam infrared results. Nice tinkerin'.
Rod 25-Aug-2007 00:46
Nicely done Mikey, I thought infrared took quite long exposures but this looks sort of a normal shutter speed. Does it just depend on the density of the red filter? It looks like you will need to carry two cameras from now on:-)
ctfchallenge23-Aug-2007 14:15
Thank for the comments, all. The hunting is good at small ponds. Dragonflies, leaves, water, all good subjects, easily shot from the hammock between the trees. ";^) I first posted this in B&W but as I worked this image I found this treatment more attractive. I've really been enjoying the infrared cam and the results I've been getting. Out-of-cam results are somewhat lack-luster, but a bit of processing, i.e. channel mixer, sat and color balance, can bring out incredible colors, like the leaves being pink in front of the deep blue water. Thanks again for your kind words. Cheers, -mikey
janewigginsphotography23-Aug-2007 00:02
Did you climb this tree? Great difference in toning which makes this image stand out. jano
Canon DSLR Challenge22-Aug-2007 17:56
new and good direction to your photography. Well done and PP too.
-cat
ctfchallenge22-Aug-2007 01:28
Very ethereal and calming. Really like the aqua color of the water, makes it look like a cove nook. And the magical touch of the the pink leaves. Where they originally pink when you first posted the shot?

-Techo
Guest 19-Aug-2007 23:22
Very nice Michael! Surely there was a hammock nearby! :-)
ctfchallenge19-Aug-2007 00:59
This gives a feeling of calmness. Like the viewer is sitting beneath a tree beside the water enjoying the shade watching for dragonflies. -COAmature