Sometimes there are instances when you cannot think of ways to salvage a poorly-shot scene or footage. There are also cases when you follow the cardinal rules of videography, but the output seems to be less than exceptional. Usually, what a video editor would do is to remedy the problem with color grading.
Color correction and fixing is what typically intimidates editors, especially the newbies. Do away with the frame of mind that it is highly technical and requires the taking of an extra course to perfect it. Think of it this way: the video footage is the canvas and your brush and color palette are the editing suite. If you maintain this mindset, fixing and integrating colors to your material will certainly become easier. Below are some of our basic tips and tricks that will help make your videos more stunning through colors.
Adjusting the Luminance: It’s Like Drawing the Lines
When doing an art project like a painting, what you need to do first is draw the lines. The way the artist will color the pattern depends on how they draw this basic element. In the context of video editing, the luminance is the output’s lines. By adjusting the luminance, you are actually changing the total depth of blacks in the video.
Before playing with the luminance sliders, check the whole image first so you will see which parts need darkening and which parts should not be affected. Be careful when adjusting the settings, as it will also affect the white levels. Adjust the midtones if you find that the subject’s face or skin is too bright or too dark. Doing this will normalise the exposure of the subject.
Adjusting the Colors: The Coloring Part of the Drawing
After drawing the lines, what you will need to do next is apply the colors. The mechanics here are simple. Look for the color balance settings of your editing software, and make some adjustments depending on your preference.
When adjusting the colors, it is advisable to consult the color wheel every now and then. Don’t worry, as many video editing software applications have built-in color wheels or palettes. Consulting the color wheel or palette will help you choose the shades that are appropriate to the footage and the luminance you’ve just set.
Adjusting the White Balance: Erasing Visible Lines
This is the last part of correcting the color of your video. It’s like erasing the visible lines in the drawing. This is optional, but this can neutralise the feel of the footage if you applied too many colors. However, a videographer will usually adjust the white balance settings of his camcorder or camera so he won’t have to make some changes during the editing phase.
Keep in mind that these fixes are only simple, and that there are other ways to salvage or make your video more appealing through colors. Browse our websites to see videos that are properly colored or graded. These will will serve as an inspiration for your next project.