How to Correct Skin Tones in DaVinci Resolve Using Three Methods

Summary:

This video explains three methods for correcting skin tones in DaVinci Resolve, emphasizing the importance of considering environmental and memory colors [Image 12].

Skin Tone Fundamentals [0:14]: Always prioritize environmental color (how light affects skin) [Image 2] and memory color (how we recall true skin tones) [Image 8] in editing, using a vectorscope as a guide [Image 9]. Skin tones vary by individual, and the indicator is a guideline [Image 10].
Method 1: White Balance (WB) [2:16]: Adjust white balance as the initial step, prioritizing skin tones over other elements due to human sensitivity to unnatural skin colors [Image 14]. Use the vectorscope's skin tone indicator, and make adjustments to the gamma and color wheels for natural results [Image 16].
Method 2: HSL Curves [5:36]: Use Hue, Saturation, and Luminance curves for more precise skin tone adjustments after white balance [Image 18]. Target specific skin color ranges on the Hue vs. Hue curve to adjust hue [Image 20], and use Luminance to enhance skin clarity. Qualifiers can be used strategically to isolate skin tones for editing, but should be used carefully to avoid artificiality [Image 22].
Method 3: DCTL Plugin (PixelTools Checker Basic) [11:29]: Utilize this free external plugin for accurate, visual analysis of skin tones and exposure [Image 27]. The plugin highlights skin tones for precise adjustment, showing color distribution (Skin Checker) [Image 26] and luminance levels (False Color) [Image 36] for better control in challenging shots.

Introduction [0:00]

The video addresses a popular request from viewers on color grading: how to correct skin tones in DaVinci Resolve using three effective methods [Image 13].

Skin Tone Fundamentals [0:14]

To achieve natural and aesthetically pleasing skin tones in video editing, two primary color concepts must be prioritized:

Environmental Color (環境色) [0:17]
- This refers to the color of the light hitting the subject in the shooting environment. [0:17]
- Example 1: A sunset environment will cast warm, yellow light, influencing the skin tone towards yellow. [0:21] [Image 2]
- Example 2: Blue artificial light will make skin tones appear bluer and unnatural. [0:33] [Image 3]
- Attempting to force a natural skin tone without considering the environmental light will lead to an unnatural look. [0:39] [Image 4]
Memory Color (記憶色) [0:52]
- This is the ideal color that humans instinctively remember for certain objects or elements. [0:52]
- Examples: We recall the sky as cyan [Image 5], sunflowers as yellow [Image 7], and human skin with a specific natural tone. [0:59]
- If a memory color, especially skin tone, appears unnatural, viewers will perceive it as odd. [1:14] [Image 8]
- The skin tone indicator on a vectorscope helps achieve natural-looking skin tones. [1:19] [Image 9]
- It's important to note that actual skin tones vary by race and individual, so the skin tone indicator is a guideline, not an absolute rule. [1:28] [Image 10]
  - Caucasian skin tones might lean slightly towards red. [1:31]
  - Asian skin tones might lean slightly towards yellow. [1:40]
  - Brown skin tones might sit closer to the center of the indicator. [1:47] [Image 11]
- The goal is to enhance the subject's inherent beauty while respecting environmental and memory colors. [2:02] [Image 12]

Method 1: White Balance (WB) Correction [2:16]

The first step in correcting skin tones is adjusting white balance.

Process Overview:
- Ensure initial color space conversion, exposure, and contrast are already done. [2:27]
- Prioritize skin tones during white balance correction, as humans are sensitive to unnatural skin colors. [2:45]
- Use the eyedropper tool on the skin to make initial adjustments. [2:51]
Using the Vectorscope for WB:
- Set the scope to Vectorscope and enable "2x Magnify" and "Skin Tone Indicator" for better visualization of color distribution. [2:59]
- Example 1 (Man in elevator): The vectorscope shows a strong yellow cast. [3:15] [Image 14]
  - Adjust the gain on the primary color wheels towards magenta (opposite of yellow) to shift the skin tone line towards the indicator. [3:54]
  - Slightly adjust towards magenta for a healthier look. [4:05]
  - Result: Eliminates overall color cast and brings skin tone to a more appropriate level. [4:14]
- Example 2 (Man by waterfall): The vectorscope shows a yellow cast in both skin and background elements. [4:26] [Image 15]
  - Apply the same white balance adjustments, shifting the gain towards magenta. [4:58] [Image 16]
  - Result: Corrects the yellow cast in the skin and other elements, making the skin tone appear more natural. [5:04]

Method 2: HSL Curves [5:36]

HSL curves offer more granular control over hue, saturation, and luminance. [Image 17]

HSL Curve Components:
- Hue: Color itself (e.g., Hue vs. Hue curve). [5:46] [Image 18]
- Saturation: Intensity of color (e.g., Hue vs. Saturation curve). [5:47]
- Luminance: Brightness of color (e.g., Hue vs. Luminance curve). [5:48]
Adjusting Skin Tones with HSL Curves:
- Example (Woman in park): Even after WB, skin might still appear too yellow or lack clarity. [5:58] [Image 19]
- Hue vs. Hue Adjustment:
  - Add a new node for "skin" adjustments. [6:18]
  - Select the skin tone using the eyedropper on the Hue vs. Hue curve. [6:25] [Image 20]
  - Slightly shift the hue towards red (magenta direction) to achieve a healthier, more natural skin tone. [6:45]
  - Avoid over-adjustment to prevent color breakdown. [6:58]
- Hue vs. Luminance Adjustment:
  - Add a parallel node, named "skin_L," to isolate luminance adjustments. [7:26]
  - Increase the luminance of the skin tones to enhance transparency and clarity, often desired for female subjects. [7:34]
Should Qualifiers Be Used? [7:56]
- Traditional View: Some colorists advise against using qualifiers for skin tones due to potential for artificiality. [8:00]
- Instructor's View: Qualifiers should be used when effective. [8:04]
- Benefits of Qualifiers:
  - Allows selective editing of skin tones without affecting other elements. [10:35] [Image 23]
  - Facilitates creating specific looks without impacting the skin. [11:06] [Image 24]
- How to use Qualifiers (Example - woman in park):
  - Create a Layer node structure with one node for "skin" and another for "background" (bg). [8:10]
  - On the "skin" node, use the Qualifier tool (eyedropper) to select the skin. [8:20]
  - Use the "Shift+H" shortcut to view the matte. [8:23] [Image 22]
  - Refining the Matte (Hue, Saturation, Luminance):
    - Adjust the Hue range to target skin tones more precisely. [8:35]
    - Refine Saturation (lows to remove desaturated areas like hair). [8:42]
    - Refine Luminance (lows to remove dark areas like hair/shadows). [8:53]
    - Use "Black Clean" to remove selected areas and "White Clean" to add more selected areas. [9:14]
    - "Blur Range" softens the edges of the selection. [9:24]
    - "In/Out Ratio" expands or shrinks the selection. [9:29]
    - "Denoise" removes noise from the matte. [9:36]
    - "Shadow," "Midtone," and "Highlight" adjust selection based on brightness. [9:43]
    - "Post Filter" provides fine-tuning for intricate details. [10:01]
  - Once the skin tone is precisely selected, changes made to this node will only affect the skin. [10:13]

Method 3: DCTL (Digital Cinema Tools Language) Plugin [11:29]

For accurate and precise skin tone adjustments, especially when visual judgment is difficult, DCTL plugins can be invaluable. [Image 25]

Introducing PixelTools Checker Basic:
- A free DaVinci Resolve plugin created by international colorists. [11:32] [Image 27]
- It visualizes color and luminance distribution for precise skin tone and exposure adjustments. [11:48] [Image 28]
Installation:
- Download the plugin (link in description). [11:54] [Image 29]
- Sign up to receive the download link via email. [12:00] [Image 30]
- Download the ZIP file and extract it. [12:08]
- Open DaVinci Resolve project settings (gear icon) and go to "Color Management." [12:11]
- Under "LUT," click "Open LUT Folder." [12:15] [Image 31]
- Drag and drop the extracted PixelTools folder into the LUT folder. [12:18]
- Restart DaVinci Resolve for the plugin to take effect. [12:23]
Usage:
- Add a new DCTL node before the output color space transform. [12:26] [Image 32]
- From the FX Library, drag a "DCTL" effect onto the new node. [12:30]
- Select "PixelTools_Checkers_Basic" from the DCTL dropdown. [12:37]
- Ensure the "Transfer Function" matches your project's gamma (e.g., DaVinci Intermediate). [12:44]
- Skin Checker Feature:
  - Click "Skin Checker" to visualize skin tones. It highlights colors close to the skin tone indicator. [13:05] [Image 26]
  - Areas in green are close to the skin tone line, yellow are too yellow, and magenta are too red. [13:13]
  - Example 1 (Man with guitar): Shows too much green/yellow in the skin. [13:15]
    - Adjust the color wheels towards red/magenta until the skin appears green (on the checker), indicating a neutral balance. [13:21] [Image 33]
    - Result: Brings skin to a more appropriate, natural balance. [13:42]
  - Example 2 (Woman's close-up): Shows too much yellow/green in the skin. [14:00]
    - Adjust color wheels to bring the skin checker back to the green zone. [14:08] [Image 34]
    - Result: Corrects the color cast. [14:24] [Image 35]
- False Color Feature:
  - Click "False Color" to visualize exposure and luminance distribution. [14:34]
  - Monitors like SmallHD or Atomos often have this feature. [14:37]
  - The middle gray represents the ideal skin exposure. [14:42] [Image 36]
  - Example (Woman in park): Shows skin exposure slightly low (blue-ish). [14:48]
    - Adjust exposure (e.g., global offset or light in primaries) to bring skin to the middle gray range. [14:52] [Image 37]
    - Result: Optimizes skin exposure for a balanced look. [15:00] [Image 38]
- Split View: Allows simultaneous viewing of the actual image and the checker output for real-time adjustments. [15:13] [Image 39] [Image 40]
- Important Note: These tools provide guidelines. Always prioritize the natural look dictated by the shooting environment. [15:33]