Whenever, I am in search of photographic inspiration, I turn to the pages of LensWork Magazine, which I consider to be the finest photography publication currently in press.  Once again it has not failed me.  In issue #103, I found the wonderful infrared images of Davide D’Angelo.  I highly recommend that you either seek out this latest edition of LensWork, or that you visit Mr. D’Angleo’s inspiring website and, in particular, his galleries: Cieli e Paesi di Langa e Roero (Sky and Earth of  Lange and Roero) and Bianco e nero (Black and White).

Technically, infrared photography is relatively straightforward.  A filter is placed in front of the lens that cuts out visible light and only allows deep red and infrared light to pass.  Historically, images were taken on special infrared sensitive films, and as a result, this light was 700 to 900 nm. The image sensors on today’s digital cameras are intrinsically infrared sensitive.  Indeed, a filter to reduce that infrared sensitivity is built into the sensor.  Enthusiasts often have this extra filter removed so as to overcome, to some extent, the need for prolonged exposure to achieve an infrared image.

The result, in black and white, is that  skies become remarkably deep, trees turn fairy white because of the high reflectivity of leaves to the near infrared, referred to as the “Wood effect” , and nebulous clouds become intensely defined.  It is a magical world and Davide D’Angelo is one of its grand master wizards.  As just two examples of his wonderful explorations into this world, please have a close look at: “Le Vigne di Treiso”   and for a wonderful sense of how sky and Earth and water counterplay with one another in this region of the spectrum,”Image Number 2” in his Bianco e Nero gallery.

I hope that you will agree that Davide D’Angelo’s infrared photographs are truly enchanting.  I guess that there is only one more word to say: “Bravo!”