“Black & White Infrared” in traditional film photography refers to special black-and-white films sensitive to infrared light, beyond the normal visible spectrum. These films were used by photographers who wanted to capture light that our eyes cannot see — especially near-infrared wavelengths between about 700 nm and 900 nm.
Historically, this type of infrared film — such as the now-discontinued Kodak High-Speed Infrared (HIE) — was prized because of its expanded sensitivity into the infrared range. The film lacked the typical anti-halation layer, which gave images a unique halo or bloom around bright highlights and required photographers to load and unload film in complete darkness to avoid fogging.
The Black & White Infrared style isn’t just about nostalgia. It’s about seeing the world differently — emphasizing texture and light over color, and revealing a hidden mood beneath everyday scenes. In my own exploration with this recipe, I found it transforms familiar landscapes into something almost spectral and poetic.
By blending centuries-old infrared photography sensibilities with modern in-camera film simulation, this project bridges analog history with contemporary digital practice
