This also means you could carry around a pane of glass as an IR-blocking shield. However, a thermal imaging camera would clearly pick up the shape of the glass pane, so you wouldn’t exactly blend into your surroundings!
You can buy a tarp made of the same material and create a tent if you’re concerned about overhead thermal imaging cameras (such as on drones).
It’s impossible to give good estimates as to how long different materials will conceal you, because there are simply too many variables to account for. You may only get a few minutes of concealment in some cases.
This type of netting works best as a screen placed between you and the thermal imaging camera—you might stretch it overhead between several trees to help conceal your camp from drones, for instance. Shop for thick netting at outdoor sports retailers, military surplus stores, or online.
For example, you might stand in front of a concrete block wall—or crouch in front of a boulder—that’s been heated by the sun all day.
Don’t expect “invisibility cloaks” to hit the market anytime soon, though! And keep in mind that the cloak would only make you practically invisible to IR (such as thermal imaging cameras), not to the naked eye or night vision cameras.
Most cameras use or avoid using the “IR-cut” automatically based on the settings, but you may be able to manually control its use as well—check your camera’s user guide. Not using the filter during daytime (or using it at night) can add intriguing color and lighting elements to your photography. IR-cutoff filters can also be purchased separately in some cases, especially for manual-advance SLR (single-lens reflex) film cameras.
IR film must be refrigerated and kept away from light while not in use. It also requires specialty developing procedures. Most modern SLR cameras—and especially those with manual-advance features—have sensors that are incompatible with IR film. Color lens filters are available online and at photography retailers.
Tin oxide nanoparticles “doped” with antimony. This type of coating can significantly cut back on IR penetration. [6] X Research source Vanadium dioxide. This type of coating can essentially be turned “on” or “off” with a small electric charge, which means you can allow IR in during the winter but block much of it during the summer. [7] X Research source
Your best option is to talk to your dermatologist. They’ll have better knowledge of the latest research on IR and can help guide your decision-making process. If you do choose to use IR-blocking cosmetics, it’s still very important to also wear sunscreen that blocks UVA and UVB rays. [9] X Trustworthy Source American Cancer Society Nonprofit devoted to promoting cancer research, education, and support Go to source Put the IR-blocking product on first, then the sunscreen.
If your eye care professional does in fact recommend IR-blocking sunglasses for eye health reasons, work with them to choose the brand and type most suited to your case. Or, if you’re skeptical, seek a second opinion from another eye professional.
