A New Perspective on Water: Long Exposure Photography with the TC Classic IR720

When photographers think about infrared photography, the first image that usually comes to mind is brilliant white foliage beneath a dark, dramatic sky. While the TC Classic IR720 excels at creating this iconic "Wood Effect," there's another creative technique that's often overlooked: combining infrared photography with long exposures. The result is a surreal, minimalist style that transforms moving water into silky smooth textures. Whether you're photographing waterfalls, rivers, lakes or ocean shorelines, the TC Classic IR720 helps create fine art images unlike anything possible in visible light.

Why the TC Classic IR720?
The TC Classic IR720 is designed for full-spectrum or infrared-converted cameras and blocks visible light up to approximately 720nm while transmitting near-infrared wavelengths. This produces the classic monochrome infrared look photographers have loved for decades.

Key benefits include:

• Bright white foliage with exceptional contrast
• Rich, dark skies that add dramatic impact
• Excellent tonal separation for black-and-white conversions
• Timeless infrared appearance
• Reduced atmospheric haze for increased clarity

A Different Way to Use the IR720
Most infrared photographers head into forests or parks to photograph glowing trees. Instead, try taking the TC Classic IR720 to moving water.

Waterfalls, streams, rivers and even gentle waves become incredibly smooth during long exposures. Combined with infrared light, the scene takes on a peaceful, dreamlike quality where bright foliage frames soft flowing water against dramatic skies.

Unlike traditional long-exposure photography, infrared introduces an entirely different tonal relationship. Trees become luminous, rocks appear darker and more defined, while the water seems to glow against the surrounding landscape.

The result is an image that feels more like fine art than a traditional landscape photograph.

Recommended Camera Setup
For best results you'll need:

• Full-spectrum or infrared-converted camera
• TC Classic IR720 filter
• Tripod
• Remote shutter release or camera timer
• Optional neutral density (ND) filter for even longer exposures

Suggested starting settings:

• ISO 100
• f/8 to f/11
• Exposure: 2–30 seconds (or longer depending on available light)
• Manual focus before attaching the filter if using a DSLR

Mirrorless cameras generally make focusing easier since you can preview the infrared image directly through the electronic viewfinder.

Ideal Subjects
The TC Classic IR720 works exceptionally well for:

• Waterfalls
• Forest streams
• Rocky rivers
• Lakes at sunrise or sunset
• Coastal shorelines
• Piers and docks
• Wetland preserves

Look for scenes that combine moving water with abundant vegetation. The contrast between glowing foliage and silky water creates a striking composition.

Processing Tips
Most photographers convert IR720 images to monochrome, where the filter truly shines.
During editing:

• Increase local contrast for additional texture.
• Deepen the blacks for dramatic skies.
• Brighten highlights in foliage.
• Add subtle clarity to rocks and water edges.
• Experiment with longer crops to emphasize flowing water.

The finished image should feel calm, timeless and almost otherworldly.

Why Photographers Love the Classic IR720
The TC Classic IR720 remains one of the most popular infrared filters because it produces the iconic infrared look while offering excellent contrast and sharpness. Pairing it with long-exposure photography opens an entirely new creative direction beyond traditional infrared landscapes.

Instead of simply revealing invisible light, you're also capturing the passage of time, turning rushing waterfalls and flowing rivers into soft, ethereal works of art.
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If you're looking to expand your infrared photography beyond the classic white-tree landscape, the TC Classic IR720 offers endless opportunities to create unique fine art images that stand apart from conventional photography.