Want the infrared film look, without specialized camera kit? Here's how

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This is how to get the iconic look of infrared film, without special camera gear, using post-production effects

Ryutaro Tsukata
(Image credit: Ryutaro Tsukata)
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Infrared light is present all around us, but is invisible to the human eye. Capturing infrared images requires specialized camera equipment that only records the red wavelengths. 

This creates distinctive-looking images; green or yellow objects are transformed into red tones, while blue and cyan subjects appear darker. If you don’t have an infrared-converted camera or infrared film, here’s how to simulate this style using Affinity Photo 2.

What you'll be using: 

  • Black and White Adjustment Layer
  •  Invert Adjustment Layer
  •  Channel Mixer Adjustment Layer
  •  HSL Adjustment Layer
  •  Selective Colour Layer
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Before and after

Before: Classic Landscape  The subject was captured using a traditional photographic approach that has reproduced the colors faithfully, but the image is missing something special (Image credit: Ryutaro Tsukata)

Final: Infrared character By recreating the infrared treatment in editing software, the landscape scene has been transformed with a distinctive look and a captivating view of reality (Image credit: Ryutaro Tsukata)

Editing steps

1. Work on brightness

(Image credit: Future)

To achieve the infrared look, start by adjusting the color brightness. Add a Black and White Adjustment Layer on top of the Background Layer and change the Blend mode from Normal to Luminosity. Decrease the Blue and Cyan sliders while boosting the Green and Yellow sliders.

2. Invert to negative

(Image credit: Future)

Now, let's begin the infrared color processing that would be done in-camera with a converted model. Click the Adjustment Layer icon and choose the Invert option to convert the image into a negative. An additional Layer will be added, so here change the Blend mode to Color.

3. Adjust color channels 

(Image credit: Future)

Add a Channel Mixer Adjustment Layer. In the Channel Mixer window, select RGB and choose Red as the Output Channel. Drag the Red slider to zero and the Blue slider to 100%. Select Blue as the Output Channel and set the Red slider
to 100% and the Blue slider to zero.

4. Underline blue tones

(Image credit: Future)

To fine-tune the color of blue elements add an HSL Adjustment Layer, select the Cyan color, then increase the Saturation value and decrease the Luminosity slider. To adjust tones, select the dots in the blue section of the color wheel and experiment with Saturation and Luminosity. 

5. Work out red hues

(Image credit: Future)

To achieve the maximum infrared look, the final step is to intensify the red tones. To gain control, add a Selective Color Layer on top of the HSL Adjustment Layer. In the window, select Reds as the Color and increase the Magenta slider, while also decreasing the Cyan slider.

Key tip

Add some glow

Due to its effect on film, infrared photos are often associated with a glow. Adding this touch to your images can enhance their effect. Add a Live Filter Layer and click on Blur to find the Diffuse Glow option. Experiment with settings while choosing a smaller Radius of about 8px.

Image

This article originally appeared in Digital Photographer, a monthly magazine, and the kitbag essential for pros, enthusiasts, and amateurs alike!

Inside, you'll find practical guides, shooting tips, and techniques from working photographers, plus all the latest industry news.

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Take a look at the best infrared lens filters to achieve the IR look in-camera. You might also be interested in the best photo editing software and the best free photo editing software.

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Kim Bunermann
Kim Bunermann
Technique Editor

Kim is the Technique Editor of Digital Photographer Magazine. She specializes in architecture, still life and product photography and has a Master's degree in Photography and Media with a distinction from the FH Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences in Germany. While studying, Kim came to the UK for an exchange term at the London College of Communication. She settled in the UK and began her career path by joining Future. Kim focuses on tutorials and creative techniques, and particularly enjoys interviewing inspiring photographers who concentrate on a range of fascinating subjects including women in photography, the climate crisis; the planet, its precious creatures and the environment.