Infrared Film
Film sensitised beyond the visible spectrum into the near infrared, producing distinctive tonal reversals.
Measured in
nm
In depth
Chlorophyll reflects infrared strongly, so foliage records as brilliant white while a clear sky, which reflects almost none, goes nearly black. Infrared focuses at a slightly different point from visible light, which is why older lenses carry a red infrared index mark. The film must be loaded in complete darkness, as its cassette felt can leak infrared.
Examples in practice
A summer landscape on infrared film shows glowing white trees against an almost black sky.