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Learning color correction and color grading?
I know that color correction and color grading are really important to the quality of a video. However, I still feel like I have know idea what I am doing in these two areas. All I know how to do is use the fast color corrector effect in Premiere–and even then I’m not really sure what I am doing.
I’m not looking to go buy Da Vinci Resolve or anything…but I’d like to learn a lot more so that I can really make my video footage look good.
Does anyone know of a website/book/video that teaches beginners how to color correct (preferably within Speed Grade, After Effects, or Premiere?
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6 Replies
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[Steve Kunz] “make my video footage look good”
It has to be shot properly to be graded properly.
Anyway, here’ s a cool tutorial: https://library.creativecow.net/articles/maschwitz_stu/red-giant-blockbuster-film-look/video-tutorial
While he uses RG tools, the technique will transfer to Speedgrade, and for a Speedgrade tutorial, there are tons on adobe tv.
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I agree on Adobe TV. They have some phenomenal videos on color correction. You may have to dig around a little for them.
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Thanks! This is helpful.
And I guess I should have clarified…my footage is shot properly and looks descent on its own…it just lacks that super professional look you can get from color grading.
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Although “color correction” and “color grading” are often used interchangeably, there is actually a difference between the two. Color correction is exactly what it sounds like, correcting issues with the footage and getting it back to zero, so to speak. Things like getting the white balance accurate, gaining back information from highlights (if possible), etc.
Color grading is likely what you’re asking about here, it refers to giving the footage a specific look and feel. This is the creative part, there is no right or wrong way to do it, what looks “good” is completely subjective and depends on the directors/DP’s/editors/colorists vision for the project, and creating a look that emulates that. The main thing to remember is that it’s important to maintain the same look throughout each piece.
The best way to learn how to color grade is just to do it. It’s all about experimenting and seeing what you want and what you can do with the image. If you search for color correcting tutorials on youtube I’m sure you will find plenty of videos that will help you learn how to use the tools in Premiere, AE, and SpeedGrade. Also, you can use presets to give you a sort of starting off point, and then tweak it to taste from there.
https://premierepro.net/motion-graphics/jarles-premiere-pro-presets-version-2-0/
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use the plug-ins to learn the basics, then download the free magic bullet looks to get a grasp. Also, watch some tutorials.
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Magic Bullet (quick looks, for speed)
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