Remnants at Sunset Crater (Infrared). Around two years ago, the “Tunnel” fire burned through Sunset Crater National Monument, charring almost everything within its boundaries. This was a ground fire that spared the canopies of most of the trees, but it partly or completely consumed many that were already dead. This rugged San Francisco Volcanic Field already looked like it was from another world, but the twisted and charred forms left by the fire and captured in invisible light have, perhaps, moved it into an alien universe.

Tech info: Nikon D800E camera (modified for full spectrum response and with Wratten #70 filter behind lens, approximating a 680nm IR filter), Nikon 8-15mm fisheye lens at 15mm, 1/80 sec. at f/11, ISO 200

Image ©2024 James D. Peterson