Achieve Cinematic Color Grading: 2 Simple Tricks for DaVinci Resolve

DaVinci Resolve Tutoriais

Summary:

The video introduces two simple yet powerful techniques to achieve cinematic color grading, suitable for any camera footage.
The initial setup involves creating a seven-node serial tree in DaVinci Resolve and applying proper color management to transform log footage into an editable workspace (DaVinci Wide Gamut/Intermediate) and then to the final output (Rec.709 Gamma 2.4).
Trick 1: Split Toning with Curves focuses on creating chromatic harmony. This involves adjusting individual RGB curves to introduce warm tones in highlights (by reducing blue) and cool tones in shadows (by increasing red or cyan), while anchoring skin tones to maintain a natural look.
An additional subtle S-curve is applied for contrast to add depth and intensify the split toning effect. The Density Depth control is used to reduce the vibrancy of saturated colors, giving them a more professional appearance.
Trick 2: Using Power Windows (Vignettes) is employed to direct the viewer's attention. A triangular Power Window is drawn around the main subject, inverted, and softened.
By subtly reducing the gamma of the inverted area, the surroundings are darkened, drawing focus to the brightly lit subject, a classic compositional technique.
The video also briefly showcases applying various Lookup Tables (LUTs) as an alternative method for quickly achieving diverse cinematic aesthetics.

Mastering Cinematic Color Grading in DaVinci Resolve [0:04]

The video emphasizes that professional color grading is crucial for any video, regardless of the camera used, from high-end to smartphone footage [0:04].
It promises to reveal two simple tricks to achieve a sophisticated, cinematic look efficiently [0:11].
These techniques are universally applicable across different camera types and log formats [0:17].

Setting Up Your Node Tree and Color Management [0:44]

The tutorial begins in DaVinci Resolve with a Sony A7SIII log scene, demonstrating that the techniques apply to any camera [0:44].
Building the Node Tree: Seven serial nodes are created using Alt + S (or Option + S on Mac) for an organized workflow [1:10].
- Nodes are labeled for clarity: CST In (Color Space Transform Input), Color Correction, Window, Split Toning, Curves, CST Out (Color Space Transform Output), and a final "special spice" node [1:21].
Color Management for Log Footage: The first crucial step for log footage is color management [2:15].
- A Color Space Transform effect is applied to the CST In node [3:06].
- Input Color Space is set to Sony S-Gamut3.Cine and Input Gamma to S-Log3 for Sony footage [3:14].
- Output Color Space is set to DaVinci Wide Gamut and Output Gamma to DaVinci Intermediate, which is the working color space [3:25].
- A second Color Space Transform is applied to the CST Out node to convert from the working space to the standard output: Rec.709 and Gamma 2.4 [3:30].
- This process "reveals the log" footage, akin to developing film negatives, normalizing the image without manual adjustments to contrast or saturation [3:48].

Trick 1: Split Toning with Curves [4:55]

Understanding Split Toning: This technique is widely used in professional cinema to create a specific chromatic harmony, often with warm highlights and cool shadows, providing visual continuity and identity to a film [4:55].
Adjusting Highlights with Blue Channel:
- Curves are accessed (located next to the Color Slices tab) and unlinked for independent channel control [6:42].
- A pivot point is set on the skin tone area by using the eyedropper tool on a darker part of the skin while holding Alt (or Option) to anchor the skin tones [7:05].
- The blue channel curve is lowered in the highlights region to introduce warmth (yellow/orange) into the brightest parts of the image [8:43]. This is because removing blue adds its complementary color [8:55].
- The green channel is also slightly adjusted in the highlights to achieve a desired orange/tobacco tone, avoiding excessive yellowing [9:22].
Adjusting Midtones/Shadows with Red Channel:
- With the skin tone pivot point still anchored, the red channel curve is gently pulled down in the shadows to introduce a cooler, more cyan/teal tone [10:40].
- This creates a classic warm/cool split toning effect while preserving the natural look of skin [11:14].
Applying an S-Curve for Contrast:
- A subtle S-curve is applied to the Luma channel (or linked RGB channels) in a separate node to enhance contrast and add depth to the image [12:21].
- This curve intensifies the split toning effect, making the warm highlights and cool shadows more pronounced and adding a cinematic "pop" [13:33].
Controlling Saturation Brightness with Density Depth:
- The Density Depth control in the Color Slices tab is used to manage how "bright" or "vibrant" saturated colors appear, rather than just their intensity [15:43].
- Lowering this value makes colors appear less bright and more grounded, helping to achieve a more natural and cinematic look by preventing overly "glowing" skin tones or colors [15:54].

Trick 2: Using Windows (Vignettes) to Direct Attention [18:05]

Creating a Triangular Power Window:
- Power Windows are used to draw geometric shapes to isolate and manipulate specific areas of the image, subtly guiding the viewer's eye [18:05].
- A triangular shape is drawn using the pen tool, following the natural lines of perspective in the scene (e.g., buildings converging towards the subject) [19:06].
Softening and Inverting the Window:
- The window is inverted to apply adjustments to the area outside the triangle [19:26].
- The Softness slider is increased to create a smooth, imperceptible transition between the affected and unaffected areas, avoiding harsh lines [19:54].
Adjusting Gamma to Darken Outside the Window:
- The Gamma control is used to slightly darken the areas outside the triangular window [19:33].
- This subtle darkening enhances the focus on the subject in the center, a compositional technique historically used in painting to create depth and direct attention [20:07].

Alternative Method: Using LUTs (Looks Up Tables) [22:32]

Working with LUTs: LUTs offer an alternative or complementary approach to color grading, providing pre-designed looks that can dramatically change the image's aesthetic with a single click [22:32].
It's crucial to understand how to properly apply LUTs based on camera settings and desired outcomes to avoid suboptimal results [22:39].
The video demonstrates applying various LUTs to show different stylistic possibilities, such as a "Fuji Classic" or "Neptune" look, which can create distinct color palettes and contrast curves [23:17].

Conclusion and Further Learning [26:04]

The presenter concludes by emphasizing the power of these simple yet professional techniques in achieving cinematic looks [26:04].
He encourages viewers to explore advanced topics like comprehensive color management and saturation control for continued skill development [26:06].