In the spectrum of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the sun, our eyes are sensitive to a narrow band of wavelengths that we perceive as the rainbow of colors from red through violet and the colors in between. Below what we see as red lies the infrared. Whereas the human eye cannot detect this wavelength, the world looks different if viewed using this portion of the spectrum. A digital camera modified to block the visible wavelengths while recording the infrared allows a spectacular, otherwise invisible realm to be visualized. Green foliage and white clouds reflect infrared light and glow brightly.

Many people unfamiliar with infrared photography often mistake leaves and grass for snow. Water and clear blue skies absorb infrared energy and appear dark. An object that is a lighter shade under visible light may look darker when photographed in infrared. In fact, the red, white, and blue colors of the flag can appear as a single shade when photographed in infrared. Skin, fur, and feathers appear lighter and softer. Although atmospheric haze may scatter or attenuate visible wavelengths, infrared can pass through; allowing the horizon or distant objects to be photographed more clearly. Indeed, “seeing” in infrared allows us to view the natural world in ways we might have never imagined.