Color grade

When I do film work I always prefer shooting in log profiles. A log image is usually a very flat image meaning less contrast and saturation than you would expect from a normal sRGB or Rec.709 image. The reason you would use a log profile when capturing the footage is to expand the dynamic range (number of exposure stops between black and white). A log profile requires a lot more work in post but usually yields a better result and gives more control at the color grading stage.

Grading RAW format

6K 6144 x 2560 px BRAW (2.4:1)

After

Before

6K 6144 x 2560 px BRAW (2.4:1)

After

Before

There are different approaches to get the image back to a "natural" stage. I tend to use a color checker card at the scene. Another important thing is to have proper white balance set at the moment of capture, especially when working with compressed formats opposed to RAW format.

Grading Compressed format

Drone film at 4096 x 2160 px, H.265, Swedish Wood Award 2020.

After

Before

Creative grade

Pushing the image even further, more color separation and compression.

My preferred tool for color grading is DaVinci Resolve Studio.

Click to show the final Swedish Wood Award 2020 film.

Another example showing a RAW Log image and the final graded image.

6K 6144 x 2560 px BRAW (2.4:1)

After

Before

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