Infrared photography is poetic. If you compare poetry to traditional prose, you often have a more simple block of words with a much more complicated meaning embedded within it.
Likewise, infrared photography utilizes a simpler color scheme but emits far more concentrated feelings into the subject matter. I don’t quite remember what image or series hooked me on Infrared Photography, but from an early point in my photography career, it became an obsession. The attraction that I had to IR photography were the deep, dramatic colors naturally achieved not through (extensive) digital editing. Fresh out of college, I dove into the subject, and eight years and two camera conversions later, I am still in love with the medium and the experimentation behind it.
Twisted Dock  Nikon D70, 665nm
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Being adept in electronics, I decided to convert the camera myself, which was an experience all in itself. In September 2010, I bought a used D70 off of eBay and an enhanced color (665nm) hot mirror and began my journey into rebuilding the camera. Despite being riddled with sand, the D70 was in pretty good condition. After two attempts (the accursed compact flash ribbon cable still haunts me to this day), I had my own infrared camera. A few years later in 2014, I found myself wanting to experiment with different spectrums a little more. I ended up retiring the D70 and performed another conversion of a Sony NEX-5N to a full spectrum camera.
Sky Ripple Sony NEX-5n, Full Spectrum
Infrared and full spectrum photography grant me some experimental pleasures with digital photography that standard light do not. One of my favorite experiments was photographing fire breathers in full spectrum.
Fire in Full Spectrum  Sony NEX-5N, Full Spectrum
The colors that came from the types of chemicals (white kerosene) the eaters used emitted colors that a normal camera would have missed. As far as shooting infrared, my two favorite spectrums are the 665nm (my default) and the 720nm range. I feel like both give off a somewhat ghostly feeling.
Haunted  Sony NEX-5N, 720nm
Tree After Death  Sony NEX-5N, 665nm
I don’t feel like infrared and full spectrum photography has made me a better photographer, but more so a different type of photographer. Rather than the gear making an image look cool, I think having an infrared camera lets the photographer see the world differently and really forces experimentation and creativity.
End of Days  Sony NEX-5N, 590nm
Martian Shores  Sony NEX-5N, 665nm
Automotive Tombstone  Sony NEX-5N, 720nm
Elder Tree  Sony NEX-5N, 665nm
Geoff Decker is a photographer based out of Denver, CO
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Website: www.HiddenVisionPhotography.com
Storefront: HiddenVisionPhotography.com
Facebook: facebook.com/HVPhoto
Instagram: @HiddenVisionPhoto
Geoff Decker Infrared Photography FAQs
Who Is Geoff Decker?
Geoff Decker is a photographer based in Denver, Colorado, featured by Kolari Vision in an infrared photography artist highlight. The article also links to his Hidden Vision Photography website, storefront, Facebook, and Instagram profiles.
How Does Geoff Decker Describe Infrared Photography?
Decker compares infrared photography to poetry because it can use a simpler visual palette while creating a more concentrated emotional effect. He says the deep, dramatic colors of infrared became an obsession early in his photography career.
What Was Geoff Decker’s First Infrared Camera Conversion?
In 2010, Decker bought a used Nikon D70 and converted it himself with an enhanced color 665nm hot mirror. He describes that DIY camera rebuild as the start of his infrared camera journey.
Why Did Geoff Decker Move To A Full-Spectrum Camera?
A few years later, in 2014, Decker wanted to experiment with more spectrums, so he retired the D70 and converted a Sony NEX-5N to full spectrum. This gave him more room to explore infrared and full-spectrum looks beyond standard visible-light photography.
Which Infrared Wavelengths Does Geoff Decker Prefer?
Decker says his two favorite infrared ranges are 665nm and 720nm. He uses 665nm as his default and describes both 665nm and 720nm as giving his images a somewhat ghostly feeling.
