Photography as an art is so much more than the technical. It doesn’t matter what equipment you use as long as your images have something to say. In this monthly column, photographer Laurie Klein offers words of inspiration followed by our monthly photo challenge assignment to help you tap into the art and soul of your photography.
Spring passes and one remembers one's innocence. Summer passes and one remembers one's exuberance. Autumn passes and one remembers one's reverence. Winter passes and one remembers one's perseverance.
A seasonal mindset is essential for infrared photographers. There is less reflective infrared light in the fall, winter, and early spring, especially in cooler climates.
Learning the Rules Before Breaking Them
I love infrared challenges. I learned the rules in undergraduate and graduate school. Once I learned those rules, I would be able to break them. That helped me push the envelope and find my creative infrared voice.
IR has its challenges in northern climates because most trees have lost their leaves, and flowers are withering. As I mentioned last month, shadows go very dark. As soon as you walk into a shadow, you can feel the temperature drop significantly, and there can be a significant difference in exposure.
Using Simple Composition to Create Questions
Typically I would not call the below image a good infrared image. There is barely any infrared reflected light. However, it does ask many questions: Is the shadow male or female? What are they reaching for?
The reason the composition of this image truly works is its simplicity. Less is more.
November’s Infrared Assignment: Create an image that poses questions. Post your photo on Instagram, tag @kolarivision, and use #kolariphotochallenge to submit your work. Winners will be selected the first week of December. Tap into your art and soul of infrared.
Laurie’s upcoming one-on-one infrared workshops: https://www.laurieklein.com/product/custom-infrared-workshop/
Challenge Winner: @phogtography
Fall Infrared Photography FAQs
What Is Art And Soul Of Photography: November 2022 About?
It is a monthly Kolari column by Laurie Klein, published on November 2, 2022, focused on the creative side of infrared photography rather than only technical equipment. The post encourages photographers to build images that have something to say.
Why Is A Seasonal Mindset Important For Infrared Photographers?
A seasonal mindset matters because fall, winter, and early spring usually bring less reflective infrared light, especially in cooler climates. The article says this makes IR shooting more challenging but also creatively useful.
Why Is Infrared Photography Challenging In Northern Climates?
Infrared can be harder in northern climates because trees lose leaves, flowers wither, and shadows become very dark. Laurie Klein also notes that walking into shadow can create a major temperature and exposure difference.
How Can A Weak Infrared Image Still Work Creatively?
Even if an image has very little reflected infrared light, it can still work if it creates mystery or asks questions. In the post, Laurie points to simplicity and “less is more” as the reason a low-IR image can still succeed compositionally.
What Is The November Infrared Assignment?
The November assignment is to create an image that poses questions. Readers are asked to post on Instagram, tag @kolarivision, and use #kolariphotochallenge, with winners selected the first week of December.
