"Virgin Islands: Infrared" - an journey into the unseen realm of IR Photography

These images were not created by using photoshop or any other editing techniques. They were taken with a Canon 30D DSLR camera that was modified to capture light in the infrared wavelength. Standard cameras have a clear filter in front of the sensor that blocks out infrared light. To modify the camera, this filter is removed and a filter that blocks the visible color spectrum is put in place. Infrared light is not visible to our eyes, and it is amazing to see a whole world that is normally not observed with the naked eye. So with this short introduction I would like to present to you selections of a photo project that I have been working on for the past 6 years, entitled "Virgin Islands: Infrared".

This is a view of Charlotte Amalie town area and harbor, on the south side of St. Thomas.

Infrared photography can create stunning contrasts, and is great for monotone photography. Infrared photography also eliminates lots of haze and fog in photos.

This view is from Annaberg Slave Ruins in St. John. One of the most beautiful views ever. I will have to share a color version of this view soon.

This beautiful tree silhouette was taken on Magens Bay in the evening before sundown.

This is another shot from ruin in St. John. Infrared makes these photos so surreal and sometimes haunting.

It is so interesting to see what reflects infrared light and what doesnt. As you can see, the bivalves are reflecting the loight heavily in this picture, while the snails are not. The mussels have a living slimy coating on the shell and the shell is alive and growing.

An amazing shot from Lindquist Beach along the reef.

Plantlife reflects a bright whitish blue image while the ocean absorbs most of the infrared light, creating stunning contrasts in landscapes and clouds in the sky. This photo is the famous Trunk Bay view in St. John.

Even though this seafan has washed ashore you can see that it is technically still alive. It reflects like the plants. The visible color of this seafan was of a medium purple.

A hidden escape in St. John.

Fort Christian, in downtown Charlotte Amalie, surrounded by ancient mahogany tree. Very majestic.

A coconut tree basking in the bright sun.

Inside the Annaberg Ruins in St. John.

Infrared is one of my favorite subjects to shoot. This is my first time sharing my infrared work on this platform, but I look to make it a regular habit to post more. I also shoot lightning photos, and being that we are now entering storm season I will be sharing some of that work also. Past and present. I hope you enjoyed this photo selection, and look out for part 2 of Virgin Islands: Infrared.

Peace

Jared Shomo

Always original content.