Infrared Photography Feature: Sakchai Lokanuvat in the Desert

This week we asked a long time member of the Infrared IG community about his iconic and colorful infrared shots of the desert and where they all come from. His name is Sakchai Lokanuvat, though you may know him as @cuttlepup!

“I like how I can never be certain that what I see when I take a photograph is what I will get.”

When I saw infrared images for the first time, I was so fascinated that I decided to pursue infrared photography myself. My formal training was in ceramics and graphic arts rather than photography.  I had a newly purchased interchangeable-lens camera that I converted to infrared, and it quickly became the camera I carry with me wherever I go.

I live in the high desert of Southern California near Joshua Tree National Park.  I often visit this spectacular area three or four times a week to take photographs.  The unusual rock formations, in combination with the unusual colors of the invisible wavelengths captured by the camera make the images look abstract or otherworldly.  The anticipation, the process, and the final results are exciting and often rewarding.

“I can pay more attention to the compositions and the color manipulations to convey stories and expressions.”

I prefer taking outdoor landscapes with a wide angle lens, and I also prefer cloudy, overcast, or foggy days and the golden hours over bright, sunny middays.  I like the softer colors and moodiness captured in softer light, and often take photos when the moon is full.

I like how I can never be certain that what I see when I take a photograph is what I will get. I don’t have to concern myself with how color-realistic my infrared photographs will be. Instead, I can pay more attention to the compositions and the color manipulations to convey stories and expressions.

You can follow Sakchai and his see more of his work on Instagram @cuttlepup.

https://www.instagram.com/cuttlepup/

Thanks Sakchai for being an awesome part of the IG infrared photography community! (And don’t forget to follow us too @kolarivision!)