Molecular imaging can enable real-time visualization of complex biological processes when augmented with robust optical dyes. Two of the most promising modalities for biomedical applications are fluorescence (FL) and photoacoustic (PA) imaging. Both techniques involve optical excitation of a chromophore to yield an excited state but differ through their ensuing relaxation pathways. FL involves radiative decay which releases a photon of light at a longer wavelength; whereas PA undergoes non-radiative relaxation to afford an ultrasonic signal via the PA effect. Until recently, the NIR range (650-900 nm) was the preferred spectral window. However, recent advances in instrumentation have facilitated a move into the shortwave infrared (SWIR) region (900-1700 nm) where interference from endogenous pigments are further minimized. It is noteworthy, a FL molecule does not need to absorb incident light in this window to generate a SWIR signal. For example, the λabs for indocyanine green (ICG) is 780 nm but features an emission tail beyond 900 nm that can be used for SWIR FL imaging. Similarly, most conventional PA imaging agents maximally absorb NIR light. However, in this spectral range, dyes must contend with PA-active pigments such as haemoglobin, resulting in higher background signals. In both instances, the application of SWIR excitation can lead to enhanced tissue penetration, higher signal-to-background ratios, and greater sensitivity.