Infrared Film
1910–presentSeeing beyond visible light — foliage glows white, skies go black, skin becomes translucent. An alien world recorded on film.
Emulsion sensitive to near-infrared radiation (700-900nm). Used with deep red or IR filters. Chlorophyll reflects IR strongly.
International
Originally for military aerial reconnaissance. Artists discovered it turns landscapes into dreamscapes — white trees, black skies.
Kodak High-Speed Infrared and Ilford SFX are classic stocks. Wood Effect: chlorophyll-rich foliage reflects IR and appears white/bright.
Wood Effect foliage
Green foliage rendered white — chlorophyll reflects infrared.
Material: Infrared reflection from chlorophyll on IR film
RGB(242, 224, 208)
IR black sky
Blue sky absorbs IR and goes black.
Material: Sky underexposed on IR-sensitive emulsion
RGB(15, 10, 8)
Halation glow
IR light scatters in emulsion creating a dreamy glow around bright objects.
Material: Infrared halation in emulsion layer
RGB(204, 192, 176)
IR skin glow
Skin appears luminous and slightly translucent in IR — veins may be visible.
Material: IR reflection/transmission through skin
RGB(208, 192, 168)
IR water dark
Water absorbs IR completely — rendered as near-black.
Material: Water absorbing IR radiation
RGB(31, 26, 24)
IR grain
Extremely coarse grain characteristic of high-speed IR film.
Material: Large silver halide crystals in IR emulsion
RGB(140, 138, 128)
Pigments: Silver
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