Take one recently-repaired digital camera, swap out the protective glass over the sensor with a different piece that only allows infrared light to pass through, and a whole new way of seeing the world emerges. I took my first infrared photographs yesterday and here is one result – still a lot more to learn.
Pictured is one of the many cultivars of Acer palmatum, or one of a group of maples collectively known as “Japanese maples” Hundreds of other photographs of Japanese maples are available on the UBC Botanical Garden Forums, thanks to the efforts of dozens of maple enthusiasts.

Acer palmatum – Z5 – RHS Index of Garden Plants, Griffiths
Acer palmatum – Z6-8 – A-Z Encyclopediaof Garden Plants, Brickell, Cole, Zuk
Acer palmatum – Z6 – Heronswood Catalogue, Hinkley
Acer palmatum – Z5-8 – Kemper Center for Home Gardening
Nice shot. It reminds me of a window pane in winter that’s covered with ice crystals.
Roberta
That’s really lovely! The lighting makes the leaves seem almost translucent in spots, which is a fascinating effect.
Would you be willing to make this image available in 1024×768?
Yes, I can make it available – it will have to wait for this evening, though.
Here’s the file – sorry about the delay: Acer palmatum ‘Elegans’ @ 1024×768
Thank you very much!
What is maple syrup in Japanese? One spring in my enthusiasm I tapped all my maples both in town and at camp in Algoma and they all produced even the dark maroon leaved one which I presume wasn t sugar mample but an exotic.
I don’t know, but someone else might! There’s a fellow on Vancouver Island who makes maple syrup out of bigleaf maples, and my dad has made some out of Manitoba maple, so it doesn’t surprise me that you had good luck with making it out of yours.