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Photoshop

Analog Film Style Color Grading for Digital RAWs

4.3 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Empty star
Based on 14 ratings
see reviews
Kad Cadau

In this course we will get the most out of your RAW files by taking inspiration from the actual film processing and will explore methods in order to achieve different types of looks, to make your images look like they were shoot on film.

  • Get the Film Look

We will highlight the necessities of how and why to prepare your images in the best way, in order to make colors stick beautifully to your images.

  • Get the most out of your colors with proper file preparation

Read more

In this course we will get the most out of your RAW files by taking inspiration from the actual film processing and will explore methods in order to achieve different types of looks, to make your images look like they were shoot on film.

  • Get the Film Look

We will highlight the necessities of how and why to prepare your images in the best way, in order to make colors stick beautifully to your images.

  • Get the most out of your colors with proper file preparation

By editing a landscape and a portrait example, I will show you how to achieve more control about contrast, how to create contrast just with colors themselves and how to get film type dynamic range out of your files.

  • Learn to work along the lines of the actual workflow and effects of the film process

Furthermore I will talk insights from my experience in the darkroom and how we can relate that to a digital workflow, as well as what we can learn from professional photographers who successfully shoot both digitally and analog.

The files used in this course will be available for download, so you can work on them as well or just have a look in to the settings.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Achieve film shot looks
  • Analog type dynamic range
  • Color techniques
  • Raw processing

Syllabus

Introduction

Quick introduction in to the topics of this course.

Learn to prepare your RAW files by referencing landscape to get the most out of your colors and achieve film like results.
Read more

Intro in to editing Landscape and the key points of achieving a film look.

You will learn the editing demands of images shot outside, create film type dynamic range and learn how to make colors stick to your image in the best way in order to achieve a film look.

Final edits and mixing colors.

Here we will cover a different set of demands for Portraiture in order to prepare and achieve a film look.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores techniques to emulate analog film aesthetics using digital RAW files, appealing to photographers seeking a vintage or classic look in their work
Focuses on RAW file preparation, which is essential for achieving optimal color grading results and is a core skill for digital photography workflows
Draws insights from darkroom techniques and professional photographers' workflows, offering a unique perspective that bridges analog and digital photography
Uses Photoshop, which requires learners to have access to the software, which may involve a subscription fee or one-time purchase

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
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Reviews summary

Photoshop analog film style grading

According to learners, this course is a positive resource for achieving a specific analog film look in digital RAW photos using Photoshop. Many found the techniques taught to be effective and appreciated the inclusion of downloadable files for practice, particularly for the landscape and portrait examples. However, students note that the course assumes prior Photoshop familiarity and may move at a fast pace in certain sections, suggesting it's best suited for those with some editing background. While highly focused on this niche style (a neutral point depending on learner goals), for those seeking this specific aesthetic, it delivers tangible results.
Course targets a particular film aesthetic, not general editing.
"Excellent for achieving a specific analog film look, but less applicable for general photo retouching."
"Be aware this is highly specific to getting this *particular* style of film emulation."
"Great if you're specifically after these analog aesthetics, not a broad color grading course."
Requires existing knowledge of Photoshop fundamentals.
"This course is definitely not for absolute beginners to Photoshop itself. You need to know your way around."
"Make sure you know your basic Photoshop tools before diving into this, or you might feel lost."
"I needed some basic Photoshop tutorials first before this course made full sense."
Downloadable files allow practice on landscape & portrait.
"Working along with the downloadable files provided was very helpful for practicing the techniques."
"The landscape and portrait examples cover key scenarios photographers face."
"It was great being able to follow the instructor's steps directly on the provided images."
Learn methods that successfully achieve the film look.
"The techniques taught here really help achieve that desired film look and feel."
"I finally understand how to get analog colors and contrast in my digital photos using the methods shown."
"Following the steps for RAW processing gave my images amazing results, very close to film scans."
Some parts require rewatching to fully grasp.
"I had to rewatch some sections multiple times to fully grasp the concepts being explained."
"The instructor moves a bit fast through certain steps, so be ready to pause and replay."
"Could benefit from a little more step-by-step detail during the more complex editing sequences."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Photoshop: Analog Film Style Color Grading for Digital RAWs with these activities:
Review RAW File Processing Basics
Reviewing RAW file processing will help you understand the starting point for color grading and how to maximize the information available in your digital images.
Show steps
  • Read articles on RAW file formats.
  • Watch tutorials on RAW processing software.
  • Practice adjusting RAW files in Photoshop.
Read 'The Film Photography Handbook'
Reading this book will provide a deeper understanding of film photography, which is the basis for the color grading techniques taught in the course.
View The Film Photography Handbook, 3rd Edition:... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'The Film Photography Handbook'.
  • Read the sections on color film and processing.
  • Take notes on key concepts and techniques.
Color Grading Practice on Sample Images
Practicing color grading on sample images will help you internalize the techniques taught in the course and develop your own style.
Show steps
  • Download sample RAW images.
  • Apply the color grading techniques from the course.
  • Experiment with different settings and looks.
  • Compare your results to the original images.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Read 'Adobe Photoshop Classroom in a Book'
This book will help you master the Photoshop tools and techniques needed for effective color grading.
View Adobe Photoshop CC Classroom in a Book (2018... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Adobe Photoshop Classroom in a Book'.
  • Work through the chapters on color correction and adjustment layers.
  • Experiment with the different tools and techniques in Photoshop.
Create a Before/After Portfolio
Creating a before/after portfolio will showcase your skills and help you refine your color grading techniques.
Show steps
  • Select a set of RAW images to work with.
  • Apply color grading techniques to each image.
  • Create a side-by-side comparison of the before and after images.
  • Write a brief description of the techniques used for each image.
  • Share your portfolio online or with other photographers.
Explore Advanced Color Grading Tutorials
Exploring advanced tutorials will expose you to new techniques and approaches to color grading, expanding your creative possibilities.
Show steps
  • Search for advanced color grading tutorials on YouTube or other platforms.
  • Follow along with the tutorials and experiment with the techniques.
  • Adapt the techniques to your own images and style.

Career center

Learners who complete Photoshop: Analog Film Style Color Grading for Digital RAWs will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Photographer
The role of a photographer often involves capturing images with a specific aesthetic vision, and this is where your course becomes invaluable. As a photographer, you're responsible for composing shots, adjusting lighting, and ultimately crafting images that tell a story or evoke a feeling. The course's focus on achieving film shot looks, analog type dynamic range, and color techniques is directly applicable to creating a desired visual style, and you may find yourself adopting these techniques. Learning to prepare RAW files, as covered in the course's syllabus, helps you maximize the potential of your images. If you want to enhance the visual appeal of your photography, this course is perfect for you.
See salaries and explore the career path for Photographer
Fashion Photographer
A fashion photographer captures images of models and clothing for magazines, advertising campaigns, and other fashion-related media. As a fashion photographer, you may benefit from this course. The course's focus on color grading and achieving a film look directly aligns with building a unique aesthetic. You will also learn about RAW files and manipulate colors to enhance designs, specifically for portraits. Instruction on how to create film type dynamic range will also prove useful. This course may prove useful for fashion photography.
See salaries and explore the career path for Fashion Photographer
Commercial Photographer
The role of a commercial photographer involves capturing images for businesses, advertising agencies, and other commercial entities. This career may be greatly improved through this course. The course's focus on color grading and achieving a film look directly aligns with creating a unique and stylized aesthetic. You will also learn to prepare RAW files and manipulate colors to enhance designs to meet commercial requirements. If one wishes to become a commercial photographer, this course may be for you.
See salaries and explore the career path for Commercial Photographer
Digital Artist
As a digital artist, you might manipulate images, create visual effects, and design graphics for various media. This course is a strong boon to your career. The course's focus on color grading and achieving a film look directly aligns with creating a unique and stylized aesthetic. The course helps you to utilize RAW files and learn about color techniques to create visually stunning artwork. It is possible to learn about creating contrast and film type dynamic range. Learning how to prepare RAW files for both landscapes and portraits will enhance your ability to create compelling digital art. To stay ahead in the digital art field, one should take this course.
See salaries and explore the career path for Digital Artist
Photo Editor
The role of a photo editor requires honing images to meet certain creative specifications. This course may be particularly helpful because it gives you insight into film-style color grading. The course teaches you how to adjust dynamic range, color, and other aspects of photos so that they will look like they were shot on film. The syllabus topics, which include RAW file preparation, and the course's focus on both landscape and portrait editing may be particularly relevant. A photo editor who wishes to expand their creative toolset may want to consider this course.
See salaries and explore the career path for Photo Editor
Content Creator
The role of content creator involves producing engaging material across various platforms, and visual appeal is often a key factor in success. Your course can be highly useful. As a content creator, you might create graphics, videos, or other visual elements to captivate your audience. The course's focus on achieving film shot looks and mastering color techniques will directly enhance the visual aesthetic of your content. Furthermore the course helps one learn to work along the lines of the actual workflow and effects of the film process. The course's instruction on preparing RAW files for both portrait and landscape visuals will be very useful. Becoming a better content creator is possible by taking this course.
See salaries and explore the career path for Content Creator
Graphic Designer
Graphic designers craft visual concepts and designs across various media, and this course may be a valuable asset in achieving a distinctive aesthetic. As a graphic designer, your work should be visually appealing. The course focuses on film-style color grading and how to achieve a desired visual look. The RAW processing techniques taught in the course may further benefit a designer. The course will help you learn to prepare RAW files and manipulate colors to enhance designs. If you're a graphic designer, you should consider taking this course.
See salaries and explore the career path for Graphic Designer
Art Director
As an art director, you need to have understanding of visual styles and aesthetics. This course is well-suited for you. An art director is often responsible for the overall visual style and image of a project, campaign, or brand. The course focuses on analog film style color grading techniques to create a specific look and feel. The instruction on RAW processing and color manipulation can benefit image creation. The final edits and mixing colors portion of the syllabus will prove relevant. By taking this course, art directors can enrich their projects.
See salaries and explore the career path for Art Director
Social Media Manager
As a social media manager, you play a key role in shaping a brand's online presence, and visuals are a critical component of that presence. This course may be of help. A social media manager is often responsible for curating visually appealing content that aligns with the brand's aesthetic. The instruction in color grading and achieving a film look directly aligns with honing the brand's visual identity. The course's syllabus may teach how to prepare RAW files and manipulate colors. Learn how to make a brand pop through this course.
See salaries and explore the career path for Social Media Manager
Digital Marketing Specialist
In the role of a digital marketing specialist, visual content often plays a crucial role in attracting and engaging audiences. This course may be a helpful addition to your skillset. A digital marketing specialist may be responsible for creating visually appealing advertisements, social media posts, and website graphics. Instruction in film style color grading and achieving specific visual aesthetics may be most useful. The course's focus on both landscape and portrait preparation gives you the ability to create excellent visuals. Take this course to boost the visual prowess of your marketing and attract an audience.
See salaries and explore the career path for Digital Marketing Specialist
Web Designer
Web designers must possess an eye for visual aesthetics. This course may prove useful. As a web designer, you craft the visual layout and user interface of websites, and the aesthetics of photos have an impact. The course focuses on analog film style color grading, which is helpful in creating a specific look and feel for website visuals. The instruction on RAW processing will allow you to create impressive and compelling designs. The final edits and mixing colors instruction of the syllabus is also relevant. An understanding of how images impact web design can be gained from this course.
See salaries and explore the career path for Web Designer
Multimedia Artist
Multimedia artists create art across platforms, and the course is a solid boon to your career. As a multimedia artist, you may create graphics, animation, video, and audio. The course's focus on film-style color grading and how to achieve a desired visual look directly align with a multimedia artist's image creation responsibilities. It will teach RAW processing techniques, as well as instruction on preparing RAW files and manipulating colors to enhance design. Boost your skills by taking this course.
See salaries and explore the career path for Multimedia Artist
Illustrator
An illustrator creates images for a variety of media, and the course may prove useful in the creation of images. As an illustrator, you are responsible for crafting visuals that support and enhance written content. The course focuses on color grading and achieving a film look which directly aligns with creating a unique and stylized aesthetic. The instruction on how to get the most out of your colors with proper file preparation will benefit your work. Anyone who wishes to start an illustration career may want to consider this course.
See salaries and explore the career path for Illustrator
Animator
The role of an animator can be enhanced through use of this course. As an animator, you are responsible for creating moving images. The course's focus on color grading and achieving a film look directly aligns with creating a unique and stylized aesthetic. You will also learn to prepare RAW files and manipulate colors to enhance designs. Instruction on how to create film type dynamic range will also prove useful. Taking this will improve the visual appeal of your animations.
See salaries and explore the career path for Animator
Fine Artist
Fine artists create original works. This course may prove useful in the creation of art pieces. As a fine artist, you may wish to use digital software to craft your pieces, and this course's focus on color grading and achieving a film look directly aligns with creating a unique and stylized aesthetic. Instruction will cover how to get the most out of colors with proper file preparation, and the course helps to utilize RAW files. The final edits and mixing colors section of the syllabus is very beneficial. For a fine artist, this course may be useful.
See salaries and explore the career path for Fine Artist

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Photoshop: Analog Film Style Color Grading for Digital RAWs.
Cover image
The Film Photography Handbook, 3rd Edition
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of film photography, covering various formats and techniques. It's useful for understanding the nuances of film that this course aims to emulate digitally. While not a direct Photoshop guide, it provides invaluable context for achieving authentic film looks. It serves as excellent additional reading to deepen your understanding of the analog process.
The Film Photography Handbook, 3rd Edition:...
Hardcover
$$
The Film Photography Handbook, 3rd Edition:...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Adobe Photoshop CC Classroom in a Book (2018...
Save
Comprehensive guide to Adobe Photoshop, covering a wide range of tools and techniques. While not specifically focused on color grading, it provides a solid foundation in Photoshop skills that are essential for this course. It useful reference tool for understanding the software and its capabilities. It is commonly used as a textbook at academic institutions.
Adobe Photoshop CC Classroom in a Book (2018...
Paperback
Check
Adobe Photoshop CC Classroom in a Book (2018...
Kindle Edition
Check

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Rating
4.3 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Empty star
Effort
1 total hour
Via
Udemy
Instructor
Kad Cadau
Language
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores techniques to emulate analog film aesthetics using digital RAW files, appealing to photographers seeking a vintage or classic look in their work
Focuses on RAW file preparation, which is essential for achieving optimal color grading results and is a core skill for digital photography workflows
Draws insights from darkroom techniques and professional photographers' workflows, offering a unique perspective that bridges analog and digital photography
Uses Photoshop, which requires learners to have access to the software, which may involve a subscription fee or one-time purchase
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