Infrared outing with Fujifilm X-T2

A hot sunny day with the sun high in the sky is usually not ideal for photography. That is unless you go for infrared photography. In that case, this is the best you could ask for. Few clouds in the sky would be welcome but this is still not bad. From various sources, I heard that the new Fujifilm X-T2 is quite sensitive to infrared light. And to such an extent that it is possible to shoot handheld with an infrared filter and higher ISO. I have decided to put this to the test as I had nothing better to do last Sunday.

I coupled the camera with 14mm prime and Kenko IR filter and off I went. Sure enough, it is possible to do handheld work with this setup. All photographs here are shot handheld, which is pretty remarkable.

Usually, a tripod is required when shooting with IR filter. Even at wide open apertures and higher ISO. Granted, the camera was set on high ISO ranging from 1250 or higher all the time, but it is very doable. Obviously, results are more noisy, especially after post processing. But still pretty usable. Definitely good enough for web/social media.

It is possible to shoot in Across or Monochrome film simulations and get a good back and white result immediately without spending any time in postproduction. I shot with monochrome + Green filter setting. Images came out little flat but a small custom adjustment in highlight and shadow contrast can solve this. Of course, for false color processing, the RAW is necessary.

For the following images, I used various conversions and styles. The first step is always the same. I created a custom DNG profile for X-T2 to be able to do necessary color temperature adjustment in Lightroom. From there I opened the file as a smart object in Photoshop and did the usual channel swap. Most of the black and white images are done in Silver FX Pro. False color versions are done in Photoshop. I also used Viveza and/or Color Efex Pro from Google Nik collection. Here is a small selection of images from that afternoon.

Originally posted HERE

Richard Simko

“VFX artist by trade, avid traveler, photographer, filmmaker and philanthropist in the spare time. Currently I live and work in Sidney. O mostly document my travels, countries and people I meet. Often I venture to different genres of photography to keep the creatives juices flowing. I try to do some good along the way and help those less fortunte in life.”

www.richardsimko.com