How to Take IR Photos When You Can’t See a Thing Through the IR Cut Filter

 

How to Take IR Photos When You Can’t See a Thing Through the IR Cut Filter

Infrared photography reveals a world the eye can’t see — but capturing it can be a challenge, especially when your viewfinder goes completely dark. At Philip M Russell Ltd, we often use IR filters for both science experiments and creative photography, and the first thing beginners notice is that once the filter is in place, you can’t see anything. 

Here’s how to make it work.

Why You Can’t See Through the Filter

Most IR filters block almost all visible light, allowing only infrared wavelengths to pass through. That means the camera’s sensor can record what your eyes can’t, but your viewfinder (and even live view) will appear black.

Setting Up the Shot

1. Compose and focus first without the filter. Use normal visible light to frame your image.

2. Switch to manual focus once you’re happy with composition — autofocus won’t work once the filter is on.

3. Attach the IR filter carefully without moving the lens.

4. Use a tripod — exposures will be long, often between 2–20 seconds depending on lighting and filter strength.

5. Shoot in RAW to maximise flexibility during post-processing.

Exposure and Settings

• Start with ISO 400, aperture f/5.6, and a 10-second exposure in bright sunlight. Adjust as needed.

• Remember that infrared light focuses slightly differently than visible light, so you may need to fine-tune focus through trial and error.

• Use a remote trigger or timer to avoid camera shake during long exposures.

Processing the Image

Infrared images straight from the camera often look reddish or flat. Use your editing software to:

• Adjust white balance (set it to grass or foliage for the classic white-wood effect).

• Swap red and blue channels for false-colour IR images.

• Increase contrast to emphasise texture and tone.

The Takeaway

Infrared photography may be literally invisible while you’re shooting, but the results can be stunning — surreal landscapes, glowing leaves, and dark skies that reveal a side of nature we never normally see. With careful setup and patience, you can create IR photos even when you can’t see a thing through the viewfinder.