Glossary

Golden Hour (Photography)

The term golden hour, sometimes called the magic hour, derives from photography and signifies the last hour before sunset and the first hour after sunrise.

The lighting during that time frame creates a dreamy, gold-like glow. The lighting is very convenient for photographers, as it is challenging to overexpose or underexpose the light in a photographed image.

The three main benefits of photographing during the golden hour are:

Softer light

The sun's rays hit objects, not at a direct angle; the light is softer, more diffused, and rather flattering for the human skin tone.

Directional light

The directional light, created by the low angle of the sun rays, enables longer shadows and thus specific light effects such as backlighting, rim lights, side lighting silhouettes, and lens flares.

Warm light

The kelvin color temperature during that time window is warm, displaying a sensual, rich, warm color palette of golden, yellow, orange, and red hues. Usually, the warm color palette is associated with warmth and happiness.

Golden Ratio

The Golden Ratio is a mathematical formula that yields the number 1.618. When used effectively, it creates designs that can achieve a balance of beauty, whether you're designing typography, UI/UX, or a logo.

Gradient

A gradient consists of an interpolated range of mixed colors (two or more) to make design elements visually more striking. You can create a visual emphasis with gradients and subtly beautify an interface. Gradients are an ideal way to add depth and dimension to your design.

There are different types of Gradients; the most commonly known are the Linear Gradient, the Radial Gradient, and the Angle (Cone) Gradient.

In a Linear Gradient, the colors flow in a single direction, from left to right or top to bottom. In digital graphics, the Radial Gradient creates a gradient that emanates from the center of a circle. This gradient type is optimal to use for round or circular shapes.

With a Conic Gradient, the colors transition as if spun around the center of a circle, starting at the top. In a Radial Gradient, the colors emanate from the center outward in all directions.

In digital graphics, the Radial Gradient creates a gradient that emanates from the center of a circle. This gradient type is optimal to use for round or circular shapes.

With a conic gradient, the colors transition as if spun around the center of a circle, starting at the top. In a Radial Gradient, the colors emanate from the center outward in all directions.