Infrared Post-Processing

Tutorials and ReviewsTutorials and Reviews Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 138
edited May 18, 2005 in Tutorials
Infrared Post-Processing

Tutorial by Andy.


Your IR image, if taken with a traditional 720nm filter, will look something like this. Here we have opened a RAW file in Adobe Camera Raw.
51717441_jD79W-L.jpg

The first step that I do in RAW, is to neutralize the white balance, it really helps the exposure. Note the histogram above, and then here, after I use the grey-dropper (white balance tool in ACR) and click on a neutral grey area.
51717434_X2VgQ-L.jpg

You can now, if you wish, desaturate in RAW. Or, you can leave it, and go B&W in Photoshop.
51717474_iCX3L-L.jpg

If you haven't gone to B&W, you'll want to do Channel Mixer, and modify the red & green channels. Check the monochrome box.
51717456_STUwn-L.jpg

Give Photoshop's Auto Levels a try, you will be pleased with the results!
51717461_NVBHx-L.jpg

Let's add some Luminosity Toning. Cmd-Shift-~ (PC: Ctrl-Shift-~) to select the luminosity. Then New Color Fill Layer, choose your color (I like chocolate brown sometimes...)
51717479_fyJQd-L.jpg

Change the layer blend mode to "Color" and lower the opacity to taste. I like 15-20%.
51717452_sKyCN-L.jpg

Some sharpening, and you're done!
51718929_hZ95u-L.jpg
Sign In or Register to comment.