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.”
Discovering Infrared Photography
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.
High Desert Landscapes Near Joshua Tree
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.”
Soft Light, Wide Angles, and Desert Mood
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.
Creative Uncertainty in Infrared Photography
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.
Follow Sakchai Lokanuvat’s Infrared Work
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!)
Sakchai Lokanuvat Infrared Photography FAQs
Who Is Sakchai Lokanuvat?
Sakchai Lokanuvat is a long-time member of the infrared Instagram community, also known as @cuttlepup. Kolari featured him for his iconic and colorful infrared desert photographs.
How Did Sakchai Lokanuvat Start Infrared Photography?
He says he became fascinated after seeing infrared images for the first time, then converted a newly purchased interchangeable-lens camera to infrared. That camera quickly became the one he carried everywhere.
Where Does Sakchai Photograph His Desert Images?
Sakchai lives in the high desert of Southern California near Joshua Tree National Park and says he often visits the area three or four times a week to take photographs.
What Makes Sakchai’s Infrared Desert Photography Distinctive?
His work combines unusual desert rock formations with the strange colors captured from invisible wavelengths. Kolari describes the results as abstract and otherworldly, while Sakchai focuses on composition and color manipulation to express stories and moods.
What Light Does Sakchai Prefer For Infrared Landscapes?
He prefers outdoor landscapes with a wide-angle lens and often chooses cloudy, overcast, foggy, golden-hour, or full-moon conditions over bright midday light. He says softer light helps create softer colors and a moodier atmosphere.
2 Responses
Amazing photography! Brilliant interpretation of our planet! Beautifully done! Bravo!!
Thank you very much, Mark! That was so kind of you!