Re: Infrared film and the Nude

[Jesse David Andrewartha <jessea@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi,

It is true that infrared penetrates 3 - 5mm under the skin and can make
the veins appear very prominent. But it is possible to reduce this. I have
been doing some nudes using large format Ektachrome Infrared and the veins
have been minimal if not absent altogether. 

(i)     It is uncomfortable, but let the model be cold by cooling the
room. When a person is cold blood moves away from the skin and therefore
veins become less prominent.

(ii) Do not eat after 4 hours before the photoshoot. In some individuals
the blood vessels dilate an nour or two after eating, which of course
makes them more prominent in the infrared image.

(iii) Do not take aspirin on the day of the photoshoot.

(iv) Make sure the model is relaxed and hasn't exterted any effort or
strain. Exercise of any type increases blood flow to the appropriate
muscles and therefore increases the appearance on infrared film.

(v) Use electronic flash, not tungsten. Not only does tungsten have a
higher IR output than flash, it can warm the skin and increase blood flow.


These things will not guarantee that veins will not show on the infrared
record, but they will contribute to the minimisation of their appearance.

Good luck,

Jesse.

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Topic No. 14