Capturing the INVISIBLE LIGHT

Claire Gillo joins David Clapp for the day to learn how to shoot infrared landscapes on the cold and wild landscape of Dartmoor

- Claire Gillo

David Clapp

Landscape photographer David Clapp has shot some of the most iconic locations around the world, exploring all kinds of environments, natural and urban. Based in the South West of England, David runs photography workshops both in the UK and abroad. For more information about his photography courses, visit his website.

To see more of David’s work: www.davidclapp.co.uk

It’s the beginning of March and I’ve arranged to meet landscape photographer David Clapp at his house, before heading up to Dartmoor together. We live in the same neck of the woods, so the logistics of the day are relatively easy to arrange, for once. After I arrive, we have a cup of tea, discuss the plan, then pile our gear and warm clothes into my car and head towards Haytor, a small village on the outskirts of the Dartmoor National Park.

“I’ve forgotten my walking boots,” says David as we arrive at the first location, Emsworthy. I only have trainers on too, which on reflection, is probably not the best idea for a photoshoot on Dartmoor in the middle of winter.

Today, David is shooting infrared landscapes while teaching me about them at the same time. David has in his hand his converted full spectrum Canon EOS R5 and he has lent me his old converted Canon EOS 6D (not a full spectrum camera but a converted B&W 665nm) so I can have a go at IR too. I’m thoroughly excited about it.

When it comes to infrared photography, David has been shooting in the medium, in one form or another, for the past 12 years and is extremely enthusiastic about it.