Alex Meagher: Infrared Film Photography Master | Get The Shot Ep. 5

Join us as we explore the invisible spectrum with Alex Meagher, a photographer renowned for his dreamlike, false-colour landscapes. In this episode, we dive deep into the niche world of Infrared Film Photography, discussing how to turn familiar Australian scenery into alien, otherworldly art using rare film stocks and a passion for the analog process.

Watch the full episode here:

Techniques: The Science of False Colour

Alex breaks down exactly how he achieves his signature surrealist look, explaining that it is not just a simple filter swap but a manipulation of the light spectrum.

• Seeing Infrared: Unlike regular film, infrared film captures light at the far end of the spectrum that is usually invisible to the human eye. [00:44]
• The Red Filter: To achieve the effect, Alex uses an orange or red filter to cut out blue visible light, allowing the invisible light and the red end of the spectrum to dominate. [01:28]
• Vegetation Reaction: The “false colour” effect is most prominent in healthy vegetation, which reflects infrared light strongly, turning trees and grass into various shades of red and pink. [01:57]
• Alien Landscapes: To enhance the otherworldly feel, Alex deliberately frames out human elements like fences and power poles, leaning fully into the “alien” aesthetic. [06:15]

Gear: The High Stakes of Rare Film

Shooting with discontinued stocks creates a high-pressure environment where every frame counts. Alex discusses the costs and the equipment he uses to capture his vision.

• The Cost of Art: The rare infrared film Alex uses was discontinued over a decade ago, with prices skyrocketing from $100 to nearly $400 a roll on eBay. [04:25]
• Camera Choice: He alternates between a 4×5 large format setup and a more portable Fuji 645, which he has even used to shoot out of plane windows. [06:53]
• Cost Per Click: When factoring in purchasing, developing, and scanning, a single press of the shutter can cost upwards of $30 to $40. [09:14]
• Precision vs. Bracketing: Due to the extreme cost, “bracketing” (taking multiple safety shots) is a luxury he rarely affords, meaning he must be precise with every exposure. [09:30]

Philosophy: The Joy of the Mechanical

In a world of instant digital feedback, Alex champions the tactile and slow nature of analog photography, arguing that the experience of shooting is just as important as the result.

• The Mechanical Feel: A huge part of the appeal for Alex is the physical sensation of the camera, from the winder to the “shutter slap” of the mirror. [17:06]
• The Process over Product: He enjoys the act of holding and using the cameras so much that he often leaves rolls of film undeveloped for months, enjoying the surprise when he finally sees them. [18:07]
• Nostalgia Trends: Alex attributes the rise of film in movies and hobbies to a desire for nostalgia, comparing the “crackle” of a vinyl record to the imperfections of film grain. [13:24]
• Personal Preference: While acknowledging that digital is technically superior, he simply prefers the look and process of film and doesn’t strive for technical perfection. [15:05]

Workflow: Minimalist Editing

Contrary to modern digital workflows, Alex’s post-production is minimal, relying on the film stock itself to do the heavy lifting.

• The Film Look: He puts very little work into post-production because the goal is to capture the inherent look of the film stock, not to create it in software. [10:06]
• Self-Scanning: Alex scans his own negatives, performing only basic colour corrections and horizon straightening, ensuring he retains control over the final image. [10:28]
• Digital Emulation: He argues that while you can try to edit digital files to look like film, they never truly capture the authentic feel of the medium. [12:20]
• Commercial Application: For professional client work, he still recommends digital for its efficiency and volume, reserving film for his personal art. [16:13]

“Regular film sees what we can see… where this special film is actually seeing the light that is at that far end of the spectrum that we usually cannot.”

– Alex Meagher

Bonn Creativ’s infectious energy and practical approach to creativity serve as a brilliant reminder that the best gear you have is your imagination. Whether she is taping a tripod to skateboards or shooting high-end fashion, her focus remains on fun and storytelling. We hope this episode inspires you to pick up your camera, hit the record button, and just get the shot.