infrared film?

Question

Any basics in using infrared film.I have Kodak 135.I also have a red filter I will be using. I am a big fan of Simon Marsden black and white photography. I'm looking to try his technique,but I'm unclear as to how he gets his prints to look so gritty and grainy.Is that made digitally ,in the lab, or during the shoot? Also what time of day is best to shoot with this film ? Any help would be useful.

Answer 1

I've used the Kodak HIE film a couple times. If it's the first time for you, take note that it's extremely sensitive to light, so you will need to load and unload your camera in a darkroom. Also, do not open the film canister in room light. If you're taking it to a lab, make sure they know how to process and handle it.

I've found that the worst light for regular film can be the best light for IR. Go shoot at noon! The more harsh sunlight, the better! Bracket your shots to a couple stops either way.

The gritty and grainy look is from the IR film. You get more of the effect from an IR filter than a red one, but you will get some of the effect. You can always add more of the effects in Photoshop.

Good luck, and have fun with it.

Answer 2

I have never used the Kodak B/W infared film--however, I tried Kodak Ektachrome Infared film once. It was a disaster.


Here is the Kodak link for it

http://www.kodak.com/global/en/professional/products/films/bw/catalog/kodakProfessionalHighSpeedInfraredFilm.jhtml?id=0.2.26.14.17.34&lc=en

and here is the PDF for the datasheet

http://www.kodak.com/global/en/professional/support/techPubs/f13/f13.pdf

The Ektachrome's datasheet is here:

http://www.kodak.com/global/en/professional/support/techPubs/ti2323/ti2323.pdf

I processed mine in E-6 and it just came out all weird, so I gave up after one roll. (It was not cheap either.) I remembered that the store kept it in freezer.

I am sorry I have not used the b/w one--but hope these links help.

p.s. Nowadays a lot of plug in for Photoshop simulates b/w infared film. Have you tried those?

Answer 3

Check this site:

photonotes.org/articles/ir-myths