Photography is based on the reaction to light of silver halide crystals, which undergo a chemical change when exposed to ultraviolet, visible or near-infrared radiation. Color photograph in visible light. Cottonwood River at Cottonwood Falls, Kansas. Note normal appearance of vegetation, water, and other objects in the view. Color-infrared photograph of Cottonwood River at Cottonwood Falls, Kansas.
Active vegetation appears red and pink.
Different parts of the spectrum may be photographed by using various combinations of films and filters. This shifting of bands to visible colors is called false-color . Ultraviolet photography is also possible for special applications. See basic cameras and film . Glossary of photographic terms.