Color Grading Basics: From Flat to Cinematic

Color grading is where your footage transforms from raw capture to polished, intentional visual storytelling. It’s the difference between amateur and professional-looking content.

Understanding Color Wheels

The primary tool in color grading is the color wheel. Lift controls shadows, gamma controls midtones, and gain controls highlights. Master these three points, and you have control over your entire image.

White Balance First

Before you get creative, ensure your footage has correct white balance. This foundation makes everything else easier and more accurate.

Creating Mood with Color

Once your image is balanced, use color to evoke emotion. Warm tones suggest comfort and energy, while cool tones create distance and calm. Complementary color schemes add visual interest.

Skin Tones

When working with people, protect skin tones. Use secondary color correction to isolate and preserve natural-looking skin while adjusting the rest of your image.

Consistency Across Shots

Match colors between shots in the same scene. Viewers notice inconsistencies, even if they can’t articulate what feels off.

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Color grading is both technical and artistic. Start with the fundamentals, then develop your own style and preferences.