“2024 Infrared Photography Contest Top Winners Announced”

### Discovering the Splendor of Light Beyond the Visible Spectrum: Kolari Vision’s “Life in Another Light” Contest Winners

Photography has long been an outlet for viewing the world in fresh and captivating ways, yet few methods can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary like infrared and ultraviolet photography. The 2024 “Life in Another Light” Infrared Photography Contest, organized by **Kolari Vision**, a frontrunner in infrared camera modifications and photography filters, has once more amazed photography lovers with the hidden magnificence that envelops us.

With more than **3,000 entries** spanning 11 categories and one short film section, the contest drew photographers from around the globe. Their mission? To display the astonishing opportunities of recording light outside our usual visual range—and they certainly succeeded. From landscapes immersed in dreamlike tones to investigations of ultraviolet light, the results are utterly enchanting.

#### What Makes Infrared Photography Unique?

Infrared photography captures light from the infrared segment of the electromagnetic spectrum, which is imperceptible to human eyes. This practice is famed for its capacity to turn greenery into snowy vistas, skies into striking contrasts, and commonplace scenes into otherworldly dreamscapes. It serves as a form of visual narration that empowers photographers to reinterpret our reality in engaging and surreal manners.

Conversely, ultraviolet photography explores the light that extends beyond violet on the spectrum. This technique is often employed in scientific inquiries, but artists have transformed it into a creative adventure, uncovering floral designs and shades unseen by the naked eye.

#### Highlights of the 2024 Contest

This year’s award recipients showcased an outstanding array of creativity and technical prowess, as their submissions were evaluated on **composition, originality, and technical execution** by a panel of seven photography authorities. Among the distinguished winners were:

– **Gavin Spooner**, who clinched **1st Place** in the Infrared Landscape category with his stunning image of Switzerland’s mountains. His infrared illumination transfigured a well-known alpine scene into a unique visual artwork.

– **Michael Riffle**, who secured the top spot in the Ultraviolet category with his ultraviolet depiction of a magnolia flower, titled *“Magnolia Grandiflora.”* The vivid ultraviolet light exposed intricate floral features usually concealed from sight.

– In the **Candy Chrome category**, **Ginny Taylor** earned **1st Place** for her mesmerizing artwork, *“Bout to Bloom.”* The lush pink and red chrome shades vividly reimagined natural vistas into candy-hued daydreams.

– **Dibakar Roy** was awarded **1st Place in the Long Exposure category** with *“People Mixture,”* which displayed exceptional technical finesse and a remarkably creative interpretation of movement over time.

#### Contemplating a World Beyond Vision

The contest extends beyond mere infrared photography; categories emphasizing “visible light” invite photographers to showcase traditional imagery alongside their experimental counterparts. This contrast enriches understanding—what remains stable and what changes when we observe the world through different light wavelengths?

As Kolari Vision eloquently noted, “Our contest is not solely about capturing images; it’s about uncovering new perspectives on the world. How does shifting to infrared alter our perception, and what stays the same? What beauty exists in the light our eyes cannot detect?”

The scope and variety of the award categories illustrate the vast potential for exploration and creativity. From **Aerial photography** to **Astro Landscapes**, both visible and invisible light are acknowledged with equal importance, demonstrating how lenses can reshape perception.

#### A Few Beloved Winning Entries

While all the winners excelled in pushing the limits of photography, several pieces particularly stood out:

– **“Vaulion”** by Jonas Hangartner, which achieved **2nd Place in the IR Chrome category**, displayed an extraordinary blend of technical mastery and imaginative vision.
– **“The Galactic Tree”** by Jürgen M. Lobert, earning **3rd Place in Astro Landscape**, combined cosmic magnificence with terrestrial textures.
– **“Black Sand Beach”** by Bobby Ritchey, which won **1st Place in Aerial**, beautifully contrasted natural formations in monochromatic shades.
– **Rob Jemmett’s** portrait *“Meg with Scarf,”* awarded **1st Place in Portrait**, illustrated how infrared light can evoke a dreamlike quality in human subjects.

#### A Community for Photographic Innovators

Kolari Vision has established itself as more than just a technical resource for photographers; it nurtures a fervent and collaborative community of creative individuals exploring the lesser-known aspects of light. This biannual competition serves as both a showcase of artistic innovation and a venue for exchanging insights and skills in this specialized photography style.

#### How to View the Full Winner Gallery

Keen to find more inspiration? You can browse the **complete gallery of winners**.