We were in Costa Rica a few weeks ago and had the opportunity to visit a coffee plantation that featured, among other things, a butterfly chapel.
This was a mostly glass chapel for weddings and other events that also hosted hundreds of butterflies. We had a great time wandering around photographing them before our tour of the plantation which was on the adjacent hills. The coffee tour was also quite amazing. As we descended from the hillside, we had this view of the chapel. I photographed it with both of my cameras, but was particularly struck by
the IR version. The photo was mostly processed in Lightroom Classic, using the B&W 09 profile and a variety of exposure adjustments. I cropped in quite as well. I then took it into Photoshop for some dodging and burning as well as minor cleanup.
Sony A7R IV, Sony 24-70 f/2.8 GM II lens. ISO 100, 24mm, f/7.1, 1/160 second. Shot handheld.
12 comments posted
Arik Gorban
Perfect scene for IR. Nicely composed and processed. I like the little "hole" in the foliage that allows some sky to show. Nicely done. Posted: 02/01/2025 20:09:25
Henry Heerschap
Thanks, Arik. Posted: 02/01/2025 21:24:39
Jack Florence Jr
Going for the high key exposure as you did, allows the building to stand out nicely Henry. Part of me wants to see some black in the tree trunks, but I'm not sure, I'll wait to see what others say. Posted: 02/05/2025 00:02:42
Henry Heerschap
Thanks, Jack. I've gone back and played with contrast a bit and I have to agree about the tree trunks. Posted: 02/05/2025 16:35:17
Charles Walker
I am envious. The camera you have is great for IR. The detail and resolution it renders is fantastic. You made good use of it with this image. I like the placement of the chapel. My eye wants a bit more contrast, as can be seen in the original. Posted: 02/05/2025 01:30:33
Henry Heerschap
Thanks, Charles. The camera was an indulgence, but I've been really happy with the results. I forgot to include that this is a full spectrum conversion with a 720 clip filter. As I said to Jack, more contrast is definitely called for here. Posted: 02/05/2025 16:37:28
Gary Potts
Hi Henry,
Costa Rica is a beautiful place. This scene is idyllic. The first thing I saw in the composition was that lone leafless tree on the front right of the structure. It's a distraction for me that I'd suggest removing. Apart from that, the image stands strong. Posted: 02/05/2025 12:45:06
Henry Heerschap
Thanks, Gary. I considered getting rid of that tree, but got lazy. I'll take another look. Posted: 02/05/2025 16:39:54
Emil Davidzuk
Henry
A chapel on a hillside with trees around it and dappled light on the foreground - is a great scene IR or color.
A thought of mine is to darken the foreground wedge of dappled light just a touch to lead you into your image?
Regards
Emil Posted: 02/07/2025 16:07:06
Henry Heerschap
Good thought, Emil. Thanks. Posted: 02/07/2025 17:22:17
Melanie Hurwitz
Hi Henry, I have an ongoing project of making high key images. This fits the bill for me. The composition is lovely. If it were mine ( I wish) I might try to make it even more high key which would simplify it and make the building stand out even more. BTW Costa Rica is one of my favorite places. Posted: 02/11/2025 15:12:29
Henry Heerschap
Good suggestions, Melanie. I wasn't really thinking of this as high key, but of course you are correct. Posted: 02/16/2025 00:57:25
