Winners of Kolari Vision’s 2024 infrared contest reveal the magic beyond the visible spectrum

Kolari Vision’s Life in Another Light photography contest comes every two years. And the time has come – the winners for 2024 contest have been revealed, and they’re truly stunning.

This unique competition celebrates photography in infrared, visible, and ultraviolet light. With over 3,000 entries this year, photographers explored how we see and experience the world through different spectrums of light.

Life in Another Light began in 2019 as a way to promote the art of infrared photography. Over the years, it has grown into a global event, attracting entries from all over the world. Photographers use special equipment to capture light that’s invisible to the human eye, creating surreal and magical images.

This year, the contest featured twelve categories, including Abstract, Portrait, Aerial, Black & White, and Infrared Short Film. A panel of seven judges carefully reviewed every entry and chose winners based on creativity, composition, and technical skill. More than $60,000 in prizes was awarded, with special recognition for the best entries in each category.

Infrared photography transforms ordinary scenes into something otherworldly. Using special filters or modified cameras, photographers capture light that exists beyond what we can see. This technique can make foliage appear white or pink, skies turn dark and dramatic, and human skin looks soft and glowing. It’s a unique art form, and I’d say it most definitely deserves its own contest. And who better to throw one than Kolari Vision? Starting in 2008 as a small business converting cameras, they’ve grown into a leader in the field. They’ve played a big role in making infrared photography more accessible. Ultimately, their products have even been used in blockbusters like The Irishman and Dune: Part II!

It’s worth noting that this isn’t the only contest Kolari Vision organizes. In the summer of 2024, they also started the Solar Eclipse contest, and we hope to see more beautiful photos from that contest in years to come, too.

As for the Life in Another Light contest, I now leave you to enjoy the category winners below. You can view the honorable mentions and read more about the contest on Kolari Vision’s website.

[Lead image: © Sennen Powell (Candy Chrome: Honorable Mention)/Kolari Vision 2024]

Abstract

Aerial

Astro

Black & White

Candy Chrome

Infrared Short Film

IR Chrome

Landscape – Infrared

Landscape – Visible Light

Long Exposure

Portrait

Ultraviolet