After months of pandemic isolation, I am way too familiar with every inch of real estate within a 5-mile radius of my house. And to be honest, it feels like I've taken every picture there is to take. That is, until I rediscovered infrared photography.

I've walked this path a 1000 times. But today I'm excited to be shooting here. Photo by Derrick Story with a 7200 nm filter.

Now, when I take my walks with an Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III converted by Kolari Vision, my world looks brand new. And I'm excited to be taking pictures again.

"Infrared photography is a look into the invisible world. The human eye can see wavelengths from about 400nm-700nm (from purple to red); infrared is the light beyond 700nm. IR photography can be done with either infrared film, or a digital camera, and typically involves near infrared light in the 700nm to 1200nm range."

You can read an excellent introduction to IR on the Kolari Vision site. My experience is that you can "start simple" with a camera that you already have and a Hoya R-72 Infrared Filter. This is how I began, using a Fujifilm X20 digital camera that is relatively sensitive to IR light.

Fujifilm X20 camera with a Hoya R72 filter.

(You can test any digital camera by pointing an TV remote control at the lens in live view and seeing if a white dot appears on the LCD screen when you press any remote button.)

The advantages of the Hoya R-72 plus existing camera is the small investment. Depending on the diameter, you can usually buy the filter for around $50. The disadvantage is the filter is dense resulting on long shutter speeds for non-converted cameras. The good news is, if you move on to a full-spectrum converted camera, your R72 filter is even more useful on it.

If you catch the IR bug, and it is highly contagious, then chances are good that you will begin to explore the different types of camera conversions. You can go for a specific wavelength, such as a 7200nm conversion, or get a full-spectrum conversion that makes all wavelengths available. You then simply add the appropriate filter to get the look you want.

The Kolari Vision IR Chrome lens filter on a full-spectrum Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III.

One of my favorites is the Kolari Vision IR Chrome lens filter that produces the look of Kodak Aerochrome IR film. I think the look is beautiful with its complementary color scheme. And I can use auto white balance and just shoot normally. But the results are anything but typical.

If you're looking for a creative way to survive the challenges of 2021, then I would seriously consider dabbling in infrared photography. I'm once again excited to take my morning walks, exploring what was once familiar territory that now looks like an entirely new world.

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This is The Digital Story Podcast #773, Jan. 12, 2021. Today's theme is "Kingston's Workflow Station a Dream for Photographers." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

My annual pilgrimage to Las Vegas for the CES show was shortened to a stroll across the room where I watched the product unveilings on my computer. Fortunately some vendors had the foresight to send us samples ahead of the show, and my hands-down favorite so far is the Kingston Workflow Station they just announced. I'm now going to introduce it to you as well. I hope you enjoy the show.

Kingston's Workflow Station a Dream for Photographers

Kingston's Workflow Station and Readers give users the freedom to create and customize a file offload setup that fits their needs allowing them to transfer video, photos, and audio from multiple sources at once.

Whether on a 4K/8K multi-cam shoot with portable audio recorders or filming B-Roll with drones and GoPros, with the customizable Workflow Station Dock you can simultaneously connect the USB miniHub, SD or microSD readers that the shoot requires to transfer footage quickly. Workflow Readers can also be used standalone by connecting to a laptop via the included USB-C cable giving users the flexibility to have their workflow on-the-go.

Some of the highlights of this new device include:

• Offload Files Quicker - Transfer video, photos, and audio from multiple sources at once.
• Flexible Workflow System - Use only the hub and readers that fit your setup.
• Portable Versatility Use the card readers on-the-go via their included USB-C.
• Incredible Performance - Workflow Station products support USB 3.2 speeds which get you to editing quicker.

You'll need at least Windows 8 or macOS 10.10 for compatibility. I tested the dock with macOS Catalina, and it worked fantastic.

You can order the Kingston Workflow Station now for $135 that includes the Dock, a USB miniHub, power adapter, and cords. The SD Card Reader miniHub supports 2 UHS-II SD cards and can be used by itself or in the Dock, and is available for $36. Same price for the Micro SD card reader miniHub that also supports 2 UHS-II microSD cards.

Waiting List for a Second Session of Integrating iPhone into a Pro Photography Workflow Online Workshop

The first session of "Integrating iPhone into a Pro Photography Workflow" Online Workshop has sold out. But I've created a wait list for a second session that would begin in mid-February. If we get enough interest for a second session, I will open registration for it.

If you're interested in attending, just go to The Nimble Photographer and click on Workshops. There's no charge to get on the wait list.

In this workshop you will explore:

• Working with just one digital camera and an iPhone.
• Taking advantage of a versatile fast prime lens on your digital camera and using iPhone for additional focal lengths.
• Perfecting a RAW workflow with the iPhone.
• Leveraging Apple ProRAW for those who have iPhone 12 Pro.
• Building a kit that allows you to travel lighter without compromising capability.
• Post processing tips and techniques using Photos on Mac, iPad, and iPhone.
• Investigating other software and workflows to augment your imaging prowess.

Exposure X6 software review: Faster than ever and even more capable

You can read the article here on DP Review.

Back in 2020, I reviewed Exposure Software's Exposure X5 and discovered much to love. A rival to the likes of Lightroom and Capture One, I found Exposure X5 to be blazingly fast and quite capable.

With a pretty affordable price tag and no subscription fees, it made for a very credible alternative to its more established rivals, especially for photographers on a budget. Now the follow-up, Exposure X6, is here, and I've tested all of its new features to see how they stack up.

• Offers an equivalent to most of Lightroom's core features with no subscription and an affordable price tag.
• Even better performance than its already-swift predecessor.
• Loads of controls and a ton of quick-and-easy presets.
• More auto controls get you in the ballpark quickly.
• Noise reduction is now tuned to your camera model.
• Less broad Raw support than its Adobe rival.

Available immediately, Exposure X6 can be purchased from Exposure Software for $129, which is an increase of $10 over the previous version. A free 30-day trial version can be obtained here. Those who purchased Exposure X5 after July 15, 2020 can upgrade for free, while earlier customers can upgrade for $89. A bundle including Exposure Software's Blow Up and Snap Art tools is priced at $149

The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras

We have more time around the house than ever. And you finally dove into that bedroom closet that's been begging for some organization.

If you found a film camera that you're no longer using, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.

If it's a camera we can use for the shop, I'll send you a Donation Kit that includes a USPS Priority Mail shipping box and prepaid label. All you have to do is tape it up, insert the camera, and add the label. USPS will pick up your shipment from the front door of your house during their regular mail delivery. It's that simple!

Your donation help get analog gear in the hands of aspiring fine art photographers, and the proceeds help support this podcast.

More CES 2021 Coverage

The show is just getting started today, but by the end of this week we will know all of the photography-related announcements. I share my favorites on next week's podcast.

One that did leak out today was the Sony Airpeak Drone that can carry an Alpha camera. That sounds pretty fun!

Updates and Such

Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts!

Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.

And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.

See you next week!

Product Links and Comments

There are product links in this article that contain affiliate tags. In some cases, depending on the product, The Digital Story may receive compensation if you purchase a product via one of those links. There is no additional cost to you.

You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.