Infrapuniga

Infrapuniga is a term that appears in Romanian-language photography discussions to denote infrared photography and related imaging practices. It is considered a neologism and is not part of formal photographic terminology; usage varies by community.

Etymology and scope: The word blends infrared concepts with a suffix that resembles agentive nouns in Romanian, and is used informally to describe activities involving capturing and processing images produced with infrared radiation, either through near-infrared (NIR) or shortwave infrared (SWIR) light, typically using cameras modified for IR sensitivity or dedicated infrared cameras. It is distinct from thermal imaging, which records emitted heat rather than reflected infrared light, though some workflows combine both approaches.

Techniques and equipment: Common methods include removing or replacing the camera’s IR-blocking filter, using IR-pass filters (e.g., 720 nm, 850 nm), and processing images to produce false-color composites that reveal scene details invisible to the naked eye. Post-processing may emphasize vegetation, moisture, or architectural features.

Applications: Infrapuniga is used in landscape and nature photography, archaeology and heritage documentation, plant health assessment, and some scientific or industrial contexts where infrared contrasts are informative.

Limitations: Lack of standardization and sensor variability mean results can differ widely between cameras and processing pipelines. Users should document settings and calibration when sharing work.

See also: infrared photography, near-infrared, NDVI, thermal imaging, night photography.

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