“Shop the Shot” is a regular series on ALC where we highlight some of our favorite images taken by photographers from all over the world and reveal the gear and settings used to create them.
Photographer: Al Espinosa
Gear:
FujiFilm X-T1 (converted to IR)
Settings:
F11
ISO 200
SS 1/250
The Story:
After purchasing the Fuji X-T2, I realized I had three cameras. I understand that every camera excels in different categories but the X-T2 was an overall improvement of the X-T1 and since I had been thinking of ways to create more unique shots, I decided to convert the sensor of my X-T1 to shoot infrared.
The infrared conversion was performed by a company named LifePixel. Basically, the infrared-blocking filter in the camera sensor is removed and replaced with an infrared pass filter chosen by the photographer. When properly white balanced, raw IR photos contain skies that are dark orange/brown and foliage that is blue. Usually, to achieve the effect where the skies are still blue but objects giving off infrared light vary in color (called a false color effect), photographers would have to perform post processing on the colors. This particular infrared conversion (Super Blue IR conversion) creates the false color effect in camera. Changes in white balance can result in varied effects without the need for Photoshop.
After the conversion, I started to question the decision because the images were not similar to infrared shots I have seen before. Then I remember that white balance settings can drastically change infrared photos. Since infrared light is most prominently from foliage, I decided to take the camera to Central Park. Thanks to the in-camera JPG processing in the Fuji, I was able to shoot in RAW and edit my white balance settings until I was happy with the shots. Before I left, I knew I had to get a shot of the Bow Bridge before I left.
