Infrared photography, a specialized technique that captures invisible light wavelengths to create otherworldly and dreamlike images, is now accessible to smartphone users without expensive camera modifications. Technology writer Tim Brookes has demonstrated that modern smartphones can produce compelling infrared photographs using simple external filters, challenging the conventional belief that this artistic technique requires professionally converted cameras.
Traditional infrared photography typically demands significant investment and technical expertise. Most digital cameras, including DSLRs, mirrorless systems, and point-and-shoot models, employ hot mirror filters positioned in front of their sensors to block infrared light. This design choice prevents infrared wavelengths from interfering with normal color photography. To achieve true infrared photography with conventional cameras, photographers must undergo an expensive infrared conversion process, which involves professionally removing or replacing the hot mirror filter—a delicate procedure that can cost hundreds of dollars.
Smartphones present a unique opportunity for infrared photography enthusiasts. While these devices also incorporate hot mirror filters, their filtering systems appear significantly less effective at blocking infrared light compared to dedicated cameras. This characteristic allows smartphone users to capture infrared images by simply placing an external filter over the lens to block visible light while allowing infrared wavelengths to pass through to the sensor.
Brookes demonstrated this technique using an iPhone 17 Pro equipped with a 720nm HOYA infrared filter. His method involves holding a 52mm infrared filter directly over the smartphone's camera lens while shooting through the Apple Camera app. The photographer recommends capturing images in ProRAW format at maximum resolution, which produces 48-megapixel DNG files approximately 100MB each. This high-resolution RAW format provides extensive post-processing flexibility, crucial for recovering detail in overexposed highlights and underexposed shadow areas typical of infrared photography.
The practical execution of smartphone infrared photography presents several technical challenges. Photographers must ensure the filter sits flush against the lens housing to prevent visible light leakage around the edges, which can ruin the infrared effect. Hand-holding the filter requires steady technique and careful positioning to avoid including fingers or thumbs in the frame. The photographer suggests that dedicated smartphone filter mounts from manufacturers like Moment or SmallRig would significantly improve the shooting experience, and notes that 3D-printed mounting solutions offer another viable option for more stable filter attachment.
Camera selection within the smartphone also affects results. Brookes found that the standard 1x wide-angle camera produced the best infrared images, though all camera modules exhibited a characteristic "hot spot" near the center of the frame where infrared sensitivity was slightly higher. Testing confirmed this hot spot originated from the camera sensor rather than the filter itself. For photographers interested in using ultra-wide cameras for infrared work, larger diameter filters may provide better coverage and results.
One significant advantage of smartphone infrared photography is the real-time preview capability. Unlike traditional film infrared photography, where results remain unknown until development, smartphone shooters can immediately see the infrared effect in their viewfinder. This instant feedback allows for more intuitive composition and subject selection. In low-light conditions with limited infrared radiation, activating the phone's night mode can help capture usable images.
Post-processing plays a crucial role in achieving compelling infrared photographs. Brookes recommends processing images directly on the smartphone using Apple's Photos app or alternative software like Snapseed. His workflow begins with converting the image to pure black and white by reducing saturation to zero. Subsequently, he adjusts shadows, highlights, and overall exposure to achieve proper tonal balance, typically reducing highlights to control bright areas while lifting shadows to reveal hidden detail.
The processing workflow continues with gradual contrast adjustments to restore visual impact after flattening the image through shadow and highlight corrections. Fine-tuning the black point slider helps optimize sky tones and the darkest image areas. Final adjustments to clarity, brilliance, and brightness depend on the specific scene, with optional vignetting added to draw viewer attention toward the image center. Brookes emphasizes that these guidelines should be adapted or completely abandoned based on creative vision and specific image requirements.
This accessible approach to infrared photography democratizes an artistic technique previously limited to serious photographers willing to invest in camera conversions. The combination of smartphone convenience, real-time preview capabilities, and powerful built-in processing tools makes infrared photography more approachable for creative enthusiasts. Success requires only a smartphone, an appropriate infrared filter (720nm filters provide an excellent starting point), and willingness to experiment with this unique photographic medium that reveals the invisible world surrounding us.
