Near infrared photography is a type of infrared photography that uses a portion of the light spectrum that is invisible to the naked eye. The terms infrared photography and thermal imaging are often used interchangeably. Though both techniques use infrared wavelengths, thermal imaging uses far infrared rather than near infrared and has entirely different applications. Infrared photography is used in a variety of fields as well as as an art form and a hobby. This technique is used to create some unique effects that are unlike anything seen in traditional photography, especially when combined with post-production editing software.
Infrared photography is now widely used in astronomy, cosmology, and aerial photography, as well as medical and forensic science and a variety of other fields, thanks to technological advancements. For professional use, only a small number of digital single lens reflex cameras (DSLRs) have been developed, and even fewer are available to the average consumer. This is primarily due to the fact that, as of 2011, standard digital cameras do not always cope well with infrared photography, and the few that are available are extremely expensive. For most photographers, the use of infrared lenses or filters that can be placed on the camera to capture infrared images is a more popular option.
Infrared light, which is invisible to the naked eye, can produce some very interesting photographic effects, but it can also be a very challenging hobfor artists and photographers. Even the most seasoned infrared photographer can’t guarantee the outcome of a shot. Because the light used to capture the image is invisible to the naked eye, and the filters used to capture the infrared light also filter out the majority of the remaining light spectrum, this is the case. Sky appears almost black in infrared photography because it reflects very little near infrared light, while foliage appears bright and almost white because it reflects a lot of near infrared light. This means that predicting the outcome is extremely difficult until the photo has been processed.
An additional colored filter or, more commonly, digital photo editing software can be used to add color to the photograph. In order to infuse the black and white infrared image with often unusual color choices, post-production editing can be used. This method is frequently employed in the creation of fantastical images and dreamscapes. Some cameras with infrared or night photography capabilities have a number of false color schemes that can be pre-set to add color before the shot is taken, greatly reducing the need for post-production.