Overview
When you take a photo with a camera, traditionally you're capturing the wavelengths of the light spectrum that are associated with visible light (i.e. all of the colors of the rainbow). Ultraviolet and Infrared images capture the body in a way that can be hard to visualize.
For UV, the higher energy wavelength of light penetrates the skin (which is why so many dermatologists insist on sunscreens, even on cloudy days!). This means that the outer layer of skin is almost invisible and the intermediate layers are what populate the image. I've seen this hide tattoos with black ink and reveal freckles, sun damage, and scars. The skin "soaks in" this light and the resulting image is quite flat and reminiscent of the tintype alternative process.
For IR, the lower energy wavelength of light actually shows up in the image because the body radiates this light when exposed to UV light from the sun (or a camera flash!). Quite literally, you're "glowing" in infrared light at all times due to the way that our skin cells process light -- we just can't see it with our naked eye.
Conceptual Direction
This series builds upon a growing interest of mine to examine the role that light plays in our bodies physiologically speaking and how visual information affects our perception of the world around us. Light, at its core a form of energy, has the impact to dictate our circadian rhythm, hormone regulation, and homeostatic function. When present in the incorrect form or dosage, it can disrupt our bodies similar to pharmaceutical drugs, however, this is rarely studied and not fully understood.
Preparation
Take some time to get a good night's sleep and stay hydrated in the days leading up to our shoot. Avoid any tight garments with bands, straps, etc. that may leave marks on the skin -- I normally recommend a loose-fitting t-shirt or hoodie, depending on the weather.
Bring along a few necklace and jewelry options. Because each of these portraits are lit the same way, this is your chance to stand out. You can opt to make a statement or bring something simple and understated. NOTE: if you've already sat for a UV portrait and will be coming back for an IR portrait, please bring the necklace that you wore for the UV portrait for continuity, along with any new pieces you've picked up and want to try!
Be kind to your skin and bring a moisturizer / lotion of your choice. Please note that any difference in lotion application may show up in the photos if it has any sunscreen protection. If you apply this to your face, it will likely have the look of a mask, depending on the strength of the effect.
Video (from Kolarivision)
The brand Kolarivision has provided me with a video camera that is capable of recording full-spectrum visual information, meaning I can record in infrared, pseudo-infrared, and ultraviolet. It has such a high sensitivity that it can detect the iron in the blood vessels of the body (see above!).
Final Presentation & Completed Images
The main images will be captured on Kodak Portra 800 medium format film. Because it is film and fairly expensive to develop and scan, I will be shooting multiple people across one roll of film and batching off all of those rolls for processing and scanning. From shoot to final image, I would estimate 1-2 months for turnaround. When you receive images back, you're welcome to share them as you'd like but I will make a coordinated announcement and post on my social media platforms when I get all of the files back and processed.
I may examine the series in a physical gallery space in the future, and, if I do, I will reach out to you individually to confirm that you'd like to be in the show and which image(s) I will be including.
