This is a list of definitions of photo editing terms, with links to articles that include them.
G
- Gamut (1)A technical term for describing the range of colors a device can display, such as a computer monitor. It also describes the theoretical 'color spaces' used in color management. For example, the sRGB color space used universally by digital devices for capture and display has a somewhat narrower color gamut than the Adobe RGB color space used in publishing. These are technical distinctions that are important to technicians and when choosing monitors but often not visible in casual viewing.
- Generative AI (1)Generative AI is a new development in photo editing, where the software can add an object to a scene based simply on a text description (prompt) that you type in, and blend it perfectly with its surroundings. It crosses the boundary between photography as a tool for capturing what is, and illustration, which creates a fictional scene.
- Gradient mask (2)An image mask that transitions from clear to opaque gradually using a soft gradient. It could be used to darken a bright sky in a landscape shot, for example, without producing a hard edge where the adjustment takes effect.
- Graduated filters (21)Graduated filters are used most for outdoor shots where there's a bright sky and a much darker landscape beneath it. Adding a graduated filter digitally gives you a lot more control, and with a 'digital' grad you can mask out tall objects so that they aren't darkened along with the sky.
- Grain (11) Film grain is caused by the random clumping of silver halide grains (black and white) or dye clouds (colour film) – the individual grains or colour spots are too small to see. Grain is one a film characteristic that was largely unpopular at the time, but is now considered an intrinsic part of that film 'look'.