Infrared Architectural Photography Tips

Infrared photography isn't everyone's cup of tea, however after seven days of shooting and exploring in Manhattan, David Clapp found that infrared, particularly colour infrared, adding a distinct and interesting twist to his city shots.

The shot below, which features the iconic Chrysler Building, was carefully put together using Capture One 6. David carried out an initial colour channel swap and then multiple adjustments to the colours and tones were made.

"Subtle processing is the name of the game and I love the way the picture retains an architectural feel whilst the red and blues entwine to give an almost recognisable colour palette," explains David. "This is one of those rare times when colour infrared actually works better than the black and white conversion."

Trying to find something that's not been photographed before in Manhattan is almost impossible as David discovered when he visited Liberty Island. However, back in the city and a shot of crossroads sat in front of a line of trees and a structure reaching up towards the sky is given a whole new feel when shot in infrared.

"The crossroads and the wonderful white trees are perfect as the base to this beautiful building," explains David.

Trees and foliage are common subject choices for photographers who shoot infrared photography as green leaves turn into a bright white under infrared light which looks great contrasted against a dark sky. Manhattan's famous Central Park is bursting with trees, however it took David several strolls around the park before he found an infrared image that shows off the delicacy of the trees.


"The lower part of the park has more characterful specimens, but trying to get them to sit to make an interesting image is hard work indeed.," explains David. "The flow of the trees is what makes the image for me, the camera pointed upwards and turned to make an interesting flow. Hardly any processing here, just a black and white conversion."

To see more of David's work, visit his website.

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