Week 4: Color Grading basics

Color Grading 101

 I learned that color grading is the process of adjusting the colors and lighting in a video to create a specific mood or style. First, I learned that you have to correct the footage by fixing the exposure, contrast, and white balance so the clip looks natural and consistent. After that, I learned you can start changing the colors to match the tone of the scene. For example, warmer colors like orange and yellow can make a scene feel happier or more nostalgic, while cooler colors like blue can make it feel more dramatic or serious. I also learned that tools like saturation, highlights, and shadows help control different parts of the image. By using these tools carefully, I learned that color grading can make footage look more professional and help support the emotion and story of the film.