As Cullen Kelly states in his video, adding contrast is one major function of a colorist.
That’s not raising the highlights and darkening shadows, but also creating color contrast, or contrast between parts of an image.
In this first video we look at the behavior of the tools we can use to affect exposure and balance tonal contrast.
This is one of the best descriptions I’ve seen of what Lift, Gain, Offset, and Contrast controls actually do… and how to use them.
Pay close attention, these are essential concepts to master as a pro colorist.
Now moving on to part 2, we dive into creating color contrast…
And it’s not just creating a simple teal & orange look.
Here we look at using color temperature and curves to change the perceived color contrast.
Cullen also briefly dives into Resolve 17’s new Color Warper tool.
Pay close attention to how these techniques are used to create a flattering image.
Now in part 3 we look at spatial contrast with power windows.
You’ll learn about making a subject stand out from a background, using secondaries while thinking photographically, and deciding when to track a window.
Then put all of these principles together and enjoy your new contrast skills!
Gedaly is the Founder and Lead Educator of DVResolve.com and is Blackmagic Design Certified Master Trainer. He’s edited commercials for major brands and has done color & VFX for independent films. He consults on post-production workflow and creating online education. Gedaly is the co-founder of Working.Actor, a former marketing manager for large brands, and creates original film projects with his production company Razee.