A study on Mt Ruapehu taken by an infrared camera. Photo Shona Blomquist
A King Country couple making a name for themselves in landscape and portrait photography, say infrared cameras are opening a new world of expression.
Shona Blomquist and Michael Ryan have long been interested in conventional photography, with stunning landscape work on display at the Blue Hill Cafe, Ōwhango. Last month, they also photographed the Taumarunui Anzac Day commemorations for King Country News.
Recently the couple sent cameras to the United States for conversion to infrared photography, to widen the range of images they can capture.
Shona explains that humans only see visible light, though infrared is, nevertheless, always present.
“Light in its different forms is measured by a nano metre. The spectrum of light begins with ultraviolet light, then progresses to visible light and infrared. Most cameras are set up with a filter on the sensor which eliminates everything but visible light,” Shona said.
“A camera that’s converted to infrared has the visible light filter replaced with one set to a nano metre much closer to that of an infrared setting of your choice. Most conversions still allow a small amount of visible light that allows for some stunning infrared photos. But pure infrared is black and white.
“We sent our cameras to America for conversion; the company we chose is one of the best in the world. Our choice was made easier by the fact that this service is not offered in New Zealand. You can’t even buy the required filters in this country.
“Once you convert your camera, it will no longer take a normal photo as such, but you can increase the infrared nano metre scale by use of screw-on filters, as long as they are a higher number to what you converted your camera to on the nano metre scale. You can’t go the other way and lessen what you have set your camera to.”
Shona said infrared photography worked best on sunny days.
“The brighter the better, especially with green leaf and plants, anything which produces photosynthesis, almost everything except metal. When you get your infrared camera, go to a park because green grass, trees, flowers water and clouds are all good.
“If the sun is beating down, take an infrared photo and it looks like a hoar frost – trees and plant life are all white.
“Blue sky is black, as is water; the results are just simply stunning,” Shona said.
But she reiterates that the infrared portion of the light spectrum can not really be labelled exotic or otherworldly.
“The fact is that it is always there; it’s just that normally we can’t see it.”
Shona, whose maiden name was Swanson, was born and bred in Taumarunui, then moved away at about the age of 25. About six years ago, she and partner Michael decided to move back to the town.
“We bought a property here in Taumarunui and are extremely happy.”
Michael describes himself as a self-taught freelance photographer, with more than 20 years’ experience.
“My favourite playgrounds are the Whanganui River, Tongariro National Park, and our beautiful mountains of course. I just love the King Country and the Central North Island.”
Though they were personally interested in the technical side of photography, most people could have huge satisfaction without going down that route, Shona said.
“Everyone enjoys the story that a photo can tell. It can trigger childhood memories, fond or romantic moments, or even just a beautiful representation of a breath-taking landscape.
“Photography makes for a beautiful hobby. It lets you create, express and love some of the simple things in life. Once you begin studying photography and taking pictures you see things in a different light. You come to see a photo in all sorts of things.
“In our view photography is a hobby for young and old and there is a camera out there for every budget and level of ability. It doesn’t have to be expensive; TradeMe, or Marketplace is a great starting point for to purchase some very good camera gear, at very good prices.
“With photography as a hobby, you can join groups or clubs, which has the benefit sharing ideas, knowledge. There is a lot of fun to be had associating with like-minded people,” Shona said.
