Sources of Infrared

In order to produce infrared images a source of light capable of generating infrared radiation is required. The greater the infrared source the greater the contrast in the final image. Consideration needs to be given to the object being photographed as many sources of infrared also produce large amounts of unwanted and potentially damaging heat.

Many common sources of light emit infrared. The most common light sources are sunlight, lasers, tungsten and tungsten halogen lamps. The most usable and controllable sources of infrared are tungsten lights or electronic flash.

Daylight is a very unpredictable source of infrared with its ever changing spectral qualities brought on by variations in weather and atmospheric conditions such as haze.

Tungsten and tungsten halogen lamps produce high quantities of infrared. This however is traded with the potentially high heat levels associated with such lights.

Electronic flash, both in studio and on camera, provides a high output of Infrared combined with lower heat emissions.

Fluorescent lights and light units produce very low levels of usable infrared light. These lights also produce very little heat in comparison to tungsten lighting.