I had initially set out to photograph key locations in Cornwall in infrared, using a converted digital camera and some specialist film. Overall, I am delighted with the images I have taken and feel that this is a strong body of work.
There were some locations I couldn't go to because of the latest lockdown. I had intended to go to the Eden Project with my film camera, but they have had to close. Tintagel was also on my list due to its rugged beauty and association with Arthurian legend, but this was both too far to travel during lockdown and hard to access with my mobility issues. I hope to take my camera there one day, though. I had also hoped to visit St Nectan's Glen, Kennall Vale or Golitha Falls in order to capture the ethereal beauty of running water in infrared, similar to Kaitlin Kelly's work, but again, the coronavirus restrictions made this impossible. There were also some locations I wanted to revisit - Tehidy woods (to take photos of the squirrels) and Truro Cathedral in particular.
Despite these restrictions and the limited number of places I could get to before the lockdown started, I am very happy with the range of photos I ended up with. My favourite image is probably the vibrant orange one taken at Wheal Coates, as it looks like a deserted, alien landscape. Not only is it beautiful, but it also brings to mind the old tin miners and their lost stories. Their experiences are our not-so-distant memories, yet they feel an entire world away.
I enjoyed learning the scientific theory behind infrared photography and then putting this into practise when visiting my shoot locations. To me, it is fascinating how chlorophyll reflects infrared light, so the way foliage looks through the seasons varies greatly on the other side of the lens. Experimenting with different filters and editing techniques was a learning curve, but good fun, and it adds vibrancy and life to my work. One thing I found particularly difficult was the adjustments I needed to make to compensate for the slight difference in focus when using infrared, although I think I managed this well in the majority of my images. My film camera has dedicated reference points for focusing with infrared, so I am disappointed that I didn't get the opportunity to use it.
The exhibition has moved online, which is where a lot of photography is displayed in this age. The world is digital and life has become a more cyber-based experience. While I am disappointed that I couldn't have a physical exhibition in a gallery, this online showcase has allowed more people to view and share my work. Promoting this via Instagram and Facebook has encouraged more people to view my work, and I am now being followed by various photographers from around the world who have taken an interest in my infrared techniques. I hope to continue this and explore more iconic Cornish sites, and I would also like to look into the opposite end of the spectrum - ultraviolet photography. This would require another converted camera, a "full spectrum" camera that is capable of UV, IR and standard photography, depending on the filter used.
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