El color grading or calibration It is an editing and post-production process related to color. The origin of the word in Spanish comes from the French étalonnage and means “calibration”. In English it is called color grading because the gradual treatment given to color adds shadows, lights, and midtones to complete a professional photographic production.
El process is part of the post production stage and can make truly unique differences in the presentation of work. Color grading is used to definitively convey different feelings, and can mark the mood and sensations to be conveyed directly from the visual.
What is color grading and how is it applied?
Color grading works on the direct manipulation of the colors of an image. Along with composition, it is one of the most important aspects of transmitting different feelings through a photo. That is why color grading is a technique in itself. The projection of an intention or objective directly related to the artist's desires can take advantage of color grading to reach the public in a concrete and straightforward way. But for those who are not familiar with the technique, it is better to understand through examples and explanations of its application.
First, a same photo shot It can be perceived in different ways depending on the composition of the scene (elements and their arrangement), or through the colors that are highlighted. A photo of a bird hunting in black and white is not the same as one with vivid and bright colors. The idea of the nature of hunters and prey, the nostalgic factor. Everything plays its role according to the way the photographer decides to show his capture. That is why when using color grading the key is to understand its scope and know the intentions we have with our photos.
Gradation or color grading can be extreme or subtle. It is part of the narrative elements that a digital artist, painter or photographer uses to give the image a personal characteristic.
Differences between color grading and color correction
El Color grading is not the same procedure The color correction that can be performed on RAW files. Color correction also manipulates the colors of an image, but the goal is different. The goals of color correction are to make the photo more understandable to the eye. There are many factors that make the image less suitable for the viewer's viewing, and in many cases they arise from the camera itself rather than from the artist's eye. The color profiles of each camera manufacturer, for example, make a capture not 100% faithful to what the artist wants to portray. When working on color correction, these issues are addressed. But color grading goes further. It aims to provide character and become part of artistic expression.. While color correction simply targets technical elements so that the shots share the same atmosphere in the professional presentation.
How to do a color grading process well?
So much to do grading as for color correction, we need to be able to work with as much information as possible about the light and colour of each shot. In both procedures, the original colours of the shot are manipulated and deteriorated. While colour grading is used to convey emotions and moods, colour correction is used to balance the shots.
RAW formats are the most recommended for this type of editing and post-production work. Because when Compare RAW and JPG formatsThe first one stores more data about the colors and light in the captured image. This is also why they take up much more storage space. But the final result when editing the images is much more satisfactory.
Professional cameras have options for custom color profiles, but they also include preset profiles. These are very useful for users who are just starting out, or to get balanced and quick settings to take many shots in one place.
Mood transmission and color grading
El color grading process Color grading also has a lot of influence on cinema. In the strictest sense, the mood of a scene is almost always influenced by color grading. Color grading is also closely tied to knowledge and theories about color and what it conveys. And the theoretical sources for this are very varied. There are everything from sociological studies on color, to popular wisdom and cultural issues that affect the use of one grading over another.
The clearest example is the crime movies or suspense thrillers. Green and blue tones are often accentuated there, to create mystery. In action films, red and orange tones abound. They give a greater sense of activity and intensity. These are formulas that tend to convince and are almost culturally accepted to translate the type of humor or feeling that is sought to be generated.
What programs can help you with color grading?
There are many alternative software options available today for editing photos and videos that work on color grading. From professional options such as Davinci Resolve to the Lumetri extension in ADOBE products or the “color” included in Apple’s Final Cut.
Is Powerful and versatile options, easy to use. There are also more complex tools that run on certified hardware such as Autodesk Flame. In any case, the options for working with color grading are available to start practicing and mastering its many variants.
If you would like to check in Photoshop, There are “look up tables” that can serve as a first glance at the subject. They are predefined color configurations that will help generate specific moods in each scene, always depending on previously accepted theories and concepts.