Post-Processing Infrared Photographs in Photoshop

I have recently become interested in Infrared Photography and I had a bit of trouble finding good ways to post-process my IR photos. So, here is my method to editing those starkly ‘red/magenta’ photographs!

This is the before/after shot:

https://www.images.scottphotographics.com/post-processing-infrared-photographs-in-photoshop-gimp/post-processing-infrared-photographs-in-photoshop-gimp.jpg

Infrared Post-Processing

Infrared photography is a special technique in which you use an Infrared Filter, which you attach over your lens like any other lens filter – then take an exposure using a fairly long shutter speed (dependent on light source). The IR-Filter blocks all other light and allows only Infrared light to pass through onto your sensor/film. The photograph you end up with has a very red/magenta Hue, which now presents us with the task of post-processing the photograph to create an interesting representation of our world in Infrared light.

Please be aware that not all cameras are ideal for infrared photography, mainly due to the strong IR filters already within the camera designed to protect the cameras sensor. To test whether your camera is ideal or not, simply grab a remote control with an IR transmitter (most TV remotes), and switch to your live view mode. Aiming the remote at your camera while pressing the buttons, you should notice the “purple” colour of the remote transmitter light. The intensity will vary for every camera, however put simply the greater amount of light that you see the better your camera is for Infrared photography.

I’ve done this Photoshop :

1. Starting

Firstly open your raw IR photograph in Photoshop
If you use the raw editing interface it is very easy to reduce the red – this should open automatically when opening your raw file through Photoshop

In Camera Raw 5.0/6.0:

Choose custom White Balance, and set the Temperature to 2000
Adjust the Tint to full green -150, if needed:
Adjust the Saturation (Bottom) – I have reduced mine by -56
You can do minor adjustments in Camera Raw, or just leave and open up the image
I also recommend looking at the HSL/Grayscale (fourth tab) options for further refinement, adjusting the Hue especially!
At this point I had done most of my editing and was reasonably happy with the result! You might as well!

post processing infrared photographs in photoshop gimp

Camera Raw Adjustments (Click to view larger)

2. Channel Mixer (recommended)

Now, we need to change the colours Red and Blue by colour swapping:
Go, Image –> Adjustments –> Channel Mixer
Swap Red to Blue: 0%, 0%, 100%

Channel Mixer – Red (Click to view larger)

Swap Blue to Red: 100%, 0%, 0%

Channel Mixer – Blue (Click to view larger)

2.b. Inversion Layer

A simpler method is to duplicate the original, then invert the duplicate, and set to color blend:

Duplicate Layer,
Invert layer, go Image –> Adjustments –> Invert (Cmd/Ctrl + I)
And set to Color blend mode:

Invert Layer – Colour Blend (Click to view larger)

3. Hue Shift

Now colouring your photograph with a simply Hue Shift:
Go, Image –> Adjustments –> Hue (Cmd/Ctrl + U)
And slide to your desired colour:

Hue Shift (Click to view larger)

4. Levels

Now, use levels to correct the whites, go Image –> Adjustments –> Levels (Cmd/Ctrl + L)
Either clicking Auto Levels will work or using the white point sampler on grass, leaves will do the job:

Levels adjusting Whites

Result:

https://www.images.scottphotographics.com/post-processing-infrared-photographs-in-photoshop-gimp/gum-tree-victoria-bush-hdr.jpg

Result

That’s it :)! If you get stuck anywhere just comment below!

If you’d like to use these photographs please Contact Me!

Please comment below if you have any questions and I’ll answer them ASAP!

Written by Mike

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Michael Scott is the publisher and photographer behind Scott Photographics! He is very passionate about his photography and enjoys sharing the best of his experiences for others to enjoy too! Contact Mike via email!

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