Color grading

Hue and tonal relations appear consistent across the whole frame.

Visual traits

• hue consistency
• tonal relations
• warm-cool balance

Expected changes

• Color relationships are more likely to cohere across the frame
• Highlight and shadow appearance are more likely to be shaped

Definition

Color grading adjusts the relation of hue, saturation, brightness, and contrast across a finished image to create a consistent color appearance. It does not determine subject, lighting placement, capture medium, local retouching, or a named film stock.

In more detail

It shapes warm-cool balance, highlight and shadow color, and contrast across the whole frame. Selecting an object to recolor, actual lighting, and image compositing remain separate choices.

Includes

• Whole-image adjustment of hue
• saturation
• brightness
• and contrast
• Processing that creates a consistent color relation across a frame

Excludes

• Color correction limited to one area
• Actual lighting placement
• Recreation of a named film stock

What this does not imply

• A particular hue
• film stock
• camera
• or lighting arrangement
• Local retouching or changing the subject

Variability

The direction and strength of hue, saturation, and contrast can be specified separately for the desired appearance.

Usage

• Specify only whole-image color relations
• Add a hue or contrast direction when needed

Distinguish similar expressions

• Use retouching for local blemish or skin adjustment

Typical uses

• Unify color relations across scenes
• Adjust the color impression of highlights and shadows

Possible failure modes

• Grading is so strong that natural tonal separation is lost
• Color direction is inconsistent within the frame