Words & Photos by Katie Farr
What Is Infrared Photography and Why It Changes the Way We See Landscapes
Infrared photography allows me to work beyond the limits of human sight. Using a camera converted specifically for infrared capture, I photograph wavelengths of light that radically alter how the landscape is rendered. Foliage becomes luminous, skies deepen and darken, and familiar terrain takes on a sculptural, almost otherworldly presence.
“Majestic Fjord” by photographer Katie Farr — Honorable Mention, Kolari Vision Life in Another Light Contest 2024.
This is not the result of digital manipulation or post-production effects. The image is formed at the moment of capture, shaped entirely by light, timing, and environment. Infrared demands a different way of seeing — slower, more intuitive, and acutely responsive to subtle changes in conditions.
Learning to See Differently: The Art and Intuition Behind Infrared Photography
Most of my work is made in remote, often extreme environments: high in the Alps, across Nordic terrain, and deep in wilderness where weather shifts without warning and temperatures drop quickly. These places are not simply backdrops; they are active collaborators.
In infrared, living vegetation responds most vividly — foliage glows, grasses brighten, and the land reveals a hidden vitality against darker skies and stone. I often remain still for long periods, waiting for the precise alignment of cloud movement, shadow, and light that brings the scene into balance.
Infrared does not reward haste. It requires patience, technical discipline, and a willingness to remain fully present in demanding conditions.
Camera Setup for Infrared Photography: Why a Full-Spectrum Converted Camera Matters
I work with a Canon R5 that has been full-spectrum converted, allowing me to photograph infrared light across a range of wavelengths using external filters. There are many companies offering conversion services with different options, and it’s always best to contact them before purchasing a camera to ensure compatibility with your chosen body and lenses.
Cold Weather Photography: Why Gloves Are Essential for Outdoor Photographers
In cold environments, dexterity becomes as important as vision. Infrared work frequently involves manual focus, fine exposure adjustments, and careful framing, all of which depend on sensitivity and control.
Bulky gloves break that connection, while inadequate insulation shortens shooting time and disrupts concentration. Gloves are therefore not an accessory but an essential part of my process. I rely on Vallerret Camera Gloves designed specifically for photographers working outdoors. The flip-back finger design allows precise camera control when needed, while insulation maintains warmth during long pauses between frames.
Good gloves don’t simply protect your hands; they protect the rhythm of the work.
Why Infrared Photography Rewards Patience Over Speed
Infrared photography requires a slower pace and a heightened awareness of environmental shifts. Subtle changes in cloud cover, wind, and sunlight can dramatically influence the final image. This process encourages a deeper connection to place and a more thoughtful approach to composition.
Alongside my personal fine-art practice, I work within the world of luxury travel, accompanying private clients on bespoke journeys through dramatic landscapes. In this context, infrared photography offers something truly rare.
I create custom infrared artworks as we travel — images that reflect not only a destination, but the atmosphere and emotional texture of being there. These works are later produced as large-scale fine-art prints for private homes, collections, and curated interiors.
Each image is created with intention from capture to print, with an emphasis on craftsmanship, atmosphere, and longevity. Infrared allows me to offer clients a way of seeing places they love through a lens they have never experienced before — a vision that exists just beyond the visible.
Katie Farr is a French Alps–based photographer working across adventure storytelling, luxury travel, and fine-art infrared landscapes. See her portfolio at katiefarr.photo. And don't miss her dedicated wedding photography via katiefarrphoto.com.
Her infrared project, Farr Away Peaks Art, featured at farrawaypeaks.com, explores landscapes captured beyond human vision and produced as fine-art prints. Follow her on Instagram: @katiefarrphotography and @farrawaypeaksart.
Explore more creative ways of seeing
Infrared photography invites us to look beyond what the eye can normally perceive but it’s only one of many creative approaches that challenge how we see and interpret the world.
→ Seeing Differently: A Conversation with Wildlife Photographer Alex Ditch
→ Lofoten in Motion: Exploring ICM Photography in Norway’s Arctic
