If you'd like to take a surreal step deeper into black-and-white photography, consider experimenting with Kodak high-speed infrared film. In addition to being sensitive to much of the visible spectrum, it has an extra layer of emulsion that records invisible infrared light. Subjects that reflect a lot of infrared record as very bright in the final image; because we can't see infrared, we have no way to predict what effect it will have in our pictures. The results are always surprising and often have an other-worldly look.

Many natural subjects, like leaves and grass, that reflect a lot of infrared take on a highly luminous and hauntingly abstract appearance with infrared film. Summer landscapes often look covered in snow. You can add even more drama to daylight scenes by placing a red filter over the lens: Blue skies will turn near black, while clouds (which have particles that reflect infrared) will become shimmering white cotton puff balls.

There are some important precautions to keep in mind when using infrared film. It must be loaded and unloaded in total darkness (a windowless hotel bathroom with all the lights turned off is dark enough) and returned to its original container after use--not too convenient if you want to change to another film while in the field. You can, however, load and unload film in the field if you use a portable, light-proof "changing bag" designed for this.

Remember that infrared film is experimental, so bracket your exposures and be sure to have your film processed by a lab that has worked with infrared before. Also, because not all point-and-shoot cameras are infrared-proof (that is, they may be susceptible to infrared-light leaks), read your camera manual (or call the manufacturer) to be sure the camera is infrared safe. Most SLRs are safe for infrared films.

Because the light does not focus at the same plane as visible light, you must sometimes make a focusing adjustment (most SLR lenses have an infrared focusing index mark to guide you in this correction) or at least use a small aperture to ensure maximum sharpness.