Color correction can be a frustrating ordeal when you have to sacrifice over or under-exposing one section of your shot in order to make the rest look good. But, in this relatively simple color grading tutorial, we learn how to use masks to isolate parts of the frame that need different adjustments. Using this technique will help you grade your image to where you won't have to settle for muddy, over-saturated, or poorly exposed areas. Hit the jump to watch the tutorial.


Film Riot walks us through this beginner's level tutorial. Deciding what your plan of attack is in post is important before you start shooting. Ryan Connolly explains that he found a mid-ground exposure for his shot in order to keep the detail in his characters, the sky, and the plane.

Creating masks is simple, especially when your shot doesn't move. If you do opt for a pan, track, zoom, or any type of movement in your shot, you will have to set up key frames for your mask (which is also relatively easy.)

Check out the tutorial below, which shows you how to do more than just creating simple masks and color correction. Film Riot includes how to use optical flares, power windows, and how to get rid of problematic reflections using a blur tool.

Film Riot is a great resource for tutorials covering a wide range of topics, from recording gun foley to how to get the Star Trek transporter effect. Check them out here!

Do you have your own tricks for color grading? Let us know in the comments.

Link: Film Riot: VFX Color Grading-- YouTube

[via Filmmaker IQ]