Color Grading Using Contrast and Pivot
In this tutorial, we are going through how to bring a LOG image to rec.709 using our primaries. The clip we are using was shot on the C200. The amazing thing with contrast and pivot is that if you are working on a show where you are grading 500+ shots a day, knowing this skill can be a game-changer.
Okay starting on the grade, start by bringing up the contrast to around 1.5. Crank it, but not too much. Since we aren’t using pivot in this example, it will sit a bit dark. Now it is time to add saturation. Crank it all the way and bring it back until it sits well. For this example, it’s sitting at about 89.
Okay, we are done with version one.
Starting on version two, let’s start with contrast again. This time, really push it. In this example we pushed it to 1.6. Now use the pivot to brighten the image. As I dial back the pivot, the image gets brighter. Pivot changes where the contrast is focused (between highlights and shadows). Once you start using pivot you can do the dance with contrast. Finally, add saturation, to the same amount as before.
Now with version three, we want to create a darker version. So, as always, start with contrast and push it. Now, dial the pivot up to darken the image. Finally, add saturation to the same as in previous.
Now let’s compare all three versions.
Looking at all three, I like the standard (or the contrast only) version the best. If the stuff is shot right and properly exposed, contrast and saturation is generally the only thing you need to do to start.
Let’s compare all the versions now.
When I am looking at this, I can tell there are a lot of differences. These are the inherent characteristics I was talking about. Each has its own distinct properties.
One thing to remember is that all of these were all built from scratch without the intention of matching each other, so the saturation stays relatively close. However, each image looks very different. We look at our contrast and pivot, you notice that it is a lot darker in the shadows. The highlights are very natural. This makes the focus straight on the money, drawing me into where I should be looking at. With the primaries, the shadows aren’t looking as good as contrast and pivot. In curves the highlights are feeling weird - almost like they are clipping but not.
You need to know how to properly use each tool to know what the right tool for the job is.
Despite contrast and pivot putting up a good fight, primaries win due to the immense versatility they bring to the table. But hands down, contrast and pivot came in a close second.
This three video series comes to an end today with this video. I’ve shown you multiple ways to start your image. From here you will build your image. Sometimes you will put them all together, but you at least need to know how to do each of these separately.
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