Infrared Landscape Photography with Fuji X-E2

In 2017 I became interested in photography and in the beginning, I learned shooting macro because I have a deep interest in bugs, how they look like under a macro lens. After a few snapshots, I found that the bug’s body is unique and it can’t be seen by the naked eye. Their shape and colors only can be seen clearly after I import the pictures into the computer.

Following my passion for macro photography, I explored a local jungle searching for more bugs and learning their lifestyle and habits. All bug pictures I take are in a friendly natural environment, without messing with their habits. I strongly stand about no stacking pictures and no bugs bring back to the studio for a photoshoot.

My first equipment for macro photography was a Fuji X-T20 and the XF55-200mm and a Raynox DCR-250 Macro Attachment. At that time Fuji hadn’t yet released a lens for my macro photography needs. To upgrade my macro photography skills, I switched my camera to a Fuji X-H1 and the XF80mm F2.8 Macro lens. My new equipment is more suitable for macro photography as it is sharper and easier for me to handle.

For infrared photography, I use a converted Fuji X-E2. Regarding the lenses, I use the Carl Zeiss Touit 12mm F2.8 and the Fuji XF35mm F1.4. For infrared photography, we must have enough sunlight. The more sunlight we have, the better it works. We need to know the position of the place we will photograph and if it is facing the sun. Knowing if the sunlight will face it was like learning geography for me.

I use Photoshop CC 2019 to process all my images.

My infrared converted X-E2:

Dudjom Dharma House – It’s a Bhutan Temple located in Ipoh next to Sam Pho Thong. Malaysia is rich in multi-culture and there are a lot of heritage buildings to explore and learn. The weather in Malaysia is hot and humid year-round. How it will look like if the place is covered with snow. That made me attract to infrared photography.

Infrared photography fills some of my curiosity about how the places look like if covered with snow.

Tanjung Tualang Tin Dredge – A tin dredge is like a floating factory. This one is named Tanjung Tualang Dredge No.5, or TT5,  and is 79 years old. This “factory” is on water, located off Jalan Tanjung Tualang in Batu Gajah. Weighs 4,500 tons and is supported by a pontoon of 75 meters in length, 35 meters in width and 3 meters in depth. It was built in England in 1938 by F.W.Payne & Son which, at that time, was a major design engineering company in bucket line dredges.

Tibetan Temple – Tambun – During Wesak Day and the annual Medicine Buddha Puja which falls in November, hundreds or perhaps thousands of devotees, curious onlookers and shutterbugs are attracted to this place like moths to a flame.

Saint Joseph Catholic Church – In Batu Gajah, my wife’s birthplace. A childhood memory for my wife. The church is a historic building that traces its history to the arrival of French missionary Father J.F. Allard. From what we know, the church was built in 1882.

Botani Eco Park – This park, part of Bandar Seri Botani residential development, is known as ECO-Park. It welcomes the public for recreational purposes and not only specifically for residents of the area. Facilities are provided for exercise or to feed the fishes that live in the lake with the food they brought along.

DR Park – Formerly known as Coronation Park, D.R. Seenivasagam Recreational Park got its name from a famous lawyer named D.R. Seenivasagam. The park was opened in 1950 and it is known as the oldest park in Ipoh. It is a large urban park in the heart of Ipoh that provides many facilities such as a large field for football training and matches.

Gopeng Waterfall – We took a walk up to the waterfall which is a bit of a hike and it took us some time to reach. It really is worth the extra walk up, just be careful on the paths as they can be quite slippery.

Jason Hew

“I’m Jason Hew from Perak state, Malaysia. I live in a small town called Ipoh surrounded by Paleozoic limestone hulks. I’m 36 years old and work as an executive salesman for Ford Motor Company.”