Color Correction Terms: 

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Grade: refers to the sum of corrections on a shot.

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Correction: refers to a single tool, or action.

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Saturation: Intensity of a particular hue.

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Contrast: The difference between the lightest point and the darkest.

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White/Black point: The darkest or lightest point of the shot.

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Clipping: Loss of detail in the shot. Usually refers to the white or black clipping.

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Tonal Range: Black to White. Dark to Light.

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Color Balance: Mix of colors in the shot. Equal mixes of color indicates balance. 

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Hue: The actual range of colors presented in a shot.

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Crushing: Loss of detail in the shadows and darkest point of a shot.

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On the previous page we briefly talked about the 6 stages of grading a project, and the things to think about while grading. However, we also need to talk about the overall approach to grading using the nodes in Resolve. As well as build upon , and breakdown the previous 6 stages.

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#1: Identify the Hero Shots

• ​In this stage, you'll need to focus on marking and organizing your shots. The more organized they are, the more easier your time is going to be while color grading.

• You'll also need to filter the shots on their importance.

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#2: Start with the Brightness of the Shot.

• Here, you'll need to set the white and black point of your shot, understand the time of day this shot was filmed at. As well as the mood of the shot. While taking these factors into account, make sure your edits apply to these elements.

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#3: Focus on Color.

• ​Now color is a fun step, but also a shady one. In this step, focus on fixing any color imbalance. Start adjusting the saturation. Also think about the level of neutrality of the color in the scene.

• What are your Hues? Is there true black or white in your scene? 

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#4: Match your Shots.

• Repeat the steps listed above on all your shots in your scene or movie. Then start to match the contrast and color of all of your shots together. Make sure you use your scopes.

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#5: Wrap up the Overall Grading.

• Make sure at this stage you have touched every shot in your movie or scene. Meaning, you should have looked at all of your shots to see if they need any improvements, and that you haven't gone crazy on the color. Make sure that you have been grading in passes.

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#6: Focus on the Details of the Shots.

• Congrats! You've made it to the end! Now its for you to complete your final pass to correct the sky, skin-tones, light direction, VFX, clothing, etc.​

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When using your nodes to grade: There is a 3 Node Approach.

 

1# Chose your LOG style color grade.

 

2# Select your LUT, make sure to work before and after the LUT.

 

3# Remember to work after the LUT, and correct any trouble areas. As well as adding detail.

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