IR Workflow

dkoyanagi

I thought I'd share with you my workflow for creating false-color IR images like this one:




Here's the raw file, shot with a Canon 5D and a Hoya R72 filter.



Load the file into Adobe Camer Raw. Set the temperature to 2000K.


Set the curves to Strong Contrast


Save as Photoshop file.
This is the result after raw convesion



Open in Photoshop.
Add Channel Mixer layer.
Set Red channel to 0% Red, 0% Green, 100% Blue.


Set Blue channel to 100% Red, 0% Green, 0% Blue.


This is the result after swapping red and blue channels. Notice how the colors are starting to separate.


Add a Hue/Saturation layer.
Set Hue to +87.


Result after hue adjustment. There are now distinct yellows and reds.


Hit CTRL-ALT-SHIFT-E to create a merged layer.
Do any corrections such as sharpening, healing tool, cloning, etc.


Add another Hue/Saturation layer.
Completely desaturate red channel.


Result after desaturation. You're now just left with yellow and grey.


Adjust contrast and you're done.

pathfinder

Very interesting Dan.

Color IR workflows seem like a deep, dark secret that is rarely shared. Kind of like good fishing holes:D

This is something I will pursue further when I get a few minutes of free time.

Thank you so much, Dan.

jogle

nice workflow. it is kinda similar to this action http://khromagery.com.au/digital_ir.html#false but i like the desaturated red channel, I've just converted my old 10D to IR only and just starting to mess with workflows for it.

dkoyanagi

jogle wrote:

nice workflow. it is kinda similar to this action http://khromagery.com.au/digital_ir.html#false but i like the desaturated red channel, I've just converted my old 10D to IR only and just starting to mess with workflows for it.

Hi Jogle.

I think I've seen that site before. That's probably where I swiped my workflow from.

schmoo

Dan, thanks for sharing your workflow! I haven't had the push to delve into IR photography because it's uncharted territory. Kind of like the world of HDR to me. But I would love to try this sometime because I really like your results.