Infrared Impressions of Southern California with a Converted Nikon D700

Southern California was supposed to be the first serious use of the converted Nikon D700. I name this post infrared impressions because the resulting images are different from what we expect to see in a color photo. I had reported on the conversion of the camera and the procedure of editing the images in an article on our blog-page.

La Jolla, San Diego

The conversion of the camera to 630 nm infrared, the processing with its own camera profile and the subsequent channel exchange of the red and blue color channels, result in the typical yellowish representation of the green plants.

Balboa Park

These pictures were taken in Balboa Park, San Diego. This is a place that is always worth a visit. The many museums with changing exhibitions are definitely worth seeing. On weekends, you should expect the park to be very crowded.

Point Loma

Point Loma is another spot worth visiting when staying in San Diego. It marks the southern end of the elongated peninsula that covers the city’s natural harbor to the west. It was here that Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo landed in 1542 as the first European on the west coast of North America.

From the monument there are expansive views of the bay, harbor, Downtown, Coronado, and the Naval Air Station.

The old lighthouse is no longer in operation because it was in the fog too often due to the altitude. The new facility is right down on the rocks, where the tidal pools are located. Admission to Point Loma is $15. If you are in possession of an Eagle Pass (America the Beautiful), you should definitely show it when entering. Then there are no costs. Shortly before the Cabrillo National Monument you drive through the cemetery of Fort Rosecrans. Be sure to stop and take a look at the facility.

Death Valley

The pictures above were taken at Death Valley. Last year’s planned visit as not possible because of the destroyed roads in the valley. Thus we decided to go there on this trip. March is the better time anyway, because it doesn’t get as brutally hot in the low-lying parts as in July, August, September. We spent the night in Pahrump, a city that you don’t have to see.

Bombay Beach at the Salton Sea

Bombay Beach is a bit in the middle of nowhere on the eastern shore of Salton Sea. It’s almost a ghost town with approx. 250 residents left. In case one is into Lost Place Photography it’s definitely worth a visit.

Anza-Borrego State Park

At the end oft he day the conversion gave new life to an old digital workhorse which had otherwise gathered dust in the closet. The unusual colors of the images made simple photo motifs interesting to me. Black and white conversions were stunning as well.

Thank you for reading

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