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Color theory resources
Hey everyone. I’m looking for some resources to help me grow not so much on the software side of color grading, but to enhance my knowledge and understanding of the theoretical side of color. I’ve been doing color work for a few years now, and I generally can work an image until it looks or feels “right”, but lately I’ve realized that I can’t really explain to myself why I do every step of the process beyond basic, primary correction (I can explain that with scopes, etc.)
What resources would you recommend? I’m looking for books, movies, blogs… whatever. Thanks for all your help – there are so many here I respect highly and appreciate your input and help in my professional development.
– David
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7 Replies
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Hi David,
I think a lot of folks here at all levels of experience would recommend Alexis Van Hurkman’s Color Correction Handbook as a good survey of technical (but software agnostic) and artistic considerations. Steve Hullfish’s The Art and Technique of Digital Color Correction is similar in scope and has been updated recently (I haven’t read the update, but I like the sound of the interviews). Those might be more broad or procedural than what you’re asking…
If you want to speak better in cinematography terms, maybe American Cinematographer Magazine, Alex Ballinger’s New Cinematographers, and Benjamin Bergery’s Reflections. If you want to think more in the metaphysical realm then definitely The Light.
Also Ansel Adams’ The Camera/The Negative/The Print are quite relevant given the workflow of digital cinema cameras.
I also liked Skin, which is specific but important.
Not sure which of those are the answer to your question, but all worth a read.
Cheers,
KC
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Yes! That’s exactly what I was looking for. Thanks a lot.
Hooray for the Cow!
– David
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And there’s always Patti Bellantoni’s “If its Purple, Somebody’s Gonna Die”. And no, that doesn’t refer to screwing up the dailies.
jPo
“I always pass on free advice — its never of any use to me” Oscar Wilde.
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This was just released today and its being offered at 50% off.
Hidden Colors by Gry Garness
https://www.grygarness.com/books/9780955830389.htm
Though it does have a lot about print and photoshop, the theories all apply.
Josh Petok
Online | Color
JoshPetok.com
TheCurrentCut.com -
Itten
https://www.amazon.com/Itten-The-Elements-Color-Johannes/dp/B000K10XSS
Kindle edition is only $40
The larger “art of color” is like $700 hardback!http://www.4Kfinish.com | owner-colorist | Hollywood, CA
http://www.facebook.com/4kFinish -
Don’t know if this qualifies as “color theory” but I think this is an amazing podcast about color. Love listening to it again from time to time. There’s some incredible concepts, like the relationship between language and our perception of color.
https://www.radiolab.org/2012/may/21/
IMO it’s “must listen” for any colorist.
Colorist | Online Editor | Post Super | VFX Artist | BD Author
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I have bookmarked all of these. Everyone, thank you again.
Some online resources that a friend sent me are:
https://www.colormatters.com
https://www.redbubble.com/people/redbubble/journal/7551174-an-introduction-to-color-theory
https://www.worqx.com/color/studies.htmAnd this handy, albeit basic, printable reference chart: https://www.paper-leaf.com/blog/2010/01/color-theory-quick-reference-poster/
– David
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