Color Grading Essentials In DaVinci Resolve 18 from Udemy

Welcome to the number 1 class about cinematic color grading in DaVinci Resolve 18.

Are you using DaVinci Resolve for editing your videos, but are you not sure what to do on the color grading page? Well, you have come to the right place.

Whether you are a professional or if you are just editing your travel videos, color grading can make or break your work. In this class, I’m going to teach you how to use this node-based color grading software in an easy way.

What will you learn in this class?We will be color grading 6 clips from different cameras, like a GoPro, mirrorless camera, and drone. We will edit the clips from scratch and along the way, I will explain to you different methods to get that cinematic look in your videos. You will be editing along with me and that’s why I provide the raw video clips which you can download here.

I will give an overview of the color page and in-depth instructions on all the tools we are going to use.

Color grading: I will teach different methods of color grading and I will explain why we are using these different methods for different clips. For each clip, we will first dive into color correction (to get the perfect exposure and white balance), and after we will play with different color grading tools to achieve the desired cinematic look.

Tips and tricks: Along the way, I will teach you handy shortcuts. For example, getting the perfect white balance with just 1 click, copying color grading settings to all the project files & more.

Who is this class for?This class is made for beginners. I will go through each step in detail, so even with little experience, I’m sure you can follow me along with the class.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Make any video clip look cinematic irrespective of the camera
Essentials tools of color grading and why we use them

Color grading using luts
Get perfect exposure and white balance

Make any video clip look cinematic irrespective of the camera
Essentials tools of color grading and why we use them
Color grading using luts
Get perfect exposure and white balance

Syllabus

Introduction

An Overview Of The Class

You will learn about the basics of color grading in DaVinci Resolve 18. I will give an overview of the color page and in-depth instructions on all the tools we are going to use.

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Provides hands-on experience with DaVinci Resolve 18, a widely used software in the film and video industry, by grading six clips from different cameras

Covers color correction techniques to achieve perfect exposure and white balance, which are essential skills for creating visually appealing videos

Explores color grading using LUTs, which are commonly used to quickly achieve a specific cinematic look, and are transferable across projects

Teaches DaVinci Resolve 18, which may require learners to ensure their systems meet the software's minimum specifications for optimal performance

Focuses on DaVinci Resolve 18, so learners should verify that this version is current and supported to ensure long-term applicability of the skills learned

Includes tips and tricks, such as shortcuts for white balance and copying color grading settings, which can significantly speed up the editing workflow

Reviews summary

Beginner davinci resolve color grading essentials

According to learners, this course is a fantastic starting point for anyone new to color grading in DaVinci Resolve 18. Students consistently praise the instructor's ability to explain complex topics clearly and the step-by-step guidance. The hands-on approach, utilizing provided downloadable footage from various camera types (including GoPro and drone), is highlighted as a major strength, allowing learners to practice alongside the lessons and see immediate results. While it excels at building a solid foundation in the essential tools like nodes, wheels, curves, and LUTs, some reviewers noted it focuses purely on fundamentals and does not delve into more advanced techniques or extensive creative theory. Overall, the feedback is overwhelmingly positive, making it a highly recommended course for beginners looking to achieve a cinematic look.

Focuses on fundamentals, not advanced.

"Solid introduction to color grading essentials."

"Covers the basics well and demystified the color page."

"While it covers the tools, I felt it lacked depth..."

"Wish there was more on creative grading styles."

"Felt a bit too simplified."

Instructor explains topics simply.

"The instructor explains everything clearly..."

"explains complex topics in a simple way."

"The explanation of nodes and the primary tools was very clear."

"The instructor is engaging..."

Hands-on practice with clips.

"the examples using different camera types were super helpful."

"I loved being able to follow along with the provided footage."

"The hands-on approach with downloadable clips is a major plus."

"practical application on different footage types (GoPro, drone!) made it incredibly valuable."

Ideal introduction to color grading.

"This course is fantastic for anyone just starting out in DaVinci Resolve color grading."

"Absolutely perfect for a beginner."

"Amazing course for getting started with color in Resolve."

"Good for absolute beginners though."

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 Color Grading Essentials In DaVinci Resolve 18 with these activities:

Review Color Theory Fundamentals

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Reviewing color theory fundamentals will provide a solid foundation for understanding color grading concepts in DaVinci Resolve.

Browse courses on Color Theory

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Study the color wheel and color relationships.
Learn about color harmonies and contrasts.
Understand the impact of color on mood and emotion.

Read 'The Art of Color Grading' by Warren Eagles

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Reading this book will provide insights into the artistic aspects of color grading and help you develop your own unique style.

View Melania on Amazon

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Read the chapters on color psychology and storytelling.
Study the case studies of professional colorists.
Experiment with different color palettes and styles.

Read 'Color Correction Handbook' by Alexis Van Hurkman

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Reading this book will provide a deeper understanding of color correction principles and techniques, enhancing your ability to use DaVinci Resolve effectively.

View Color Correction Handbook: Professional... on Amazon

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Read the chapters on primary and secondary color correction.
Study the sections on color grading workflows.
Practice the techniques described in the book using DaVinci Resolve.

Four other activities

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Practice White Balance Adjustments

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Practicing white balance adjustments will improve your ability to quickly and accurately correct color casts in your footage.

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Download a set of ungraded video clips.
Use the white balance tools in DaVinci Resolve to correct each clip.
Compare your results to a reference image or video.

Follow Advanced DaVinci Resolve Tutorials

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Following advanced tutorials will expose you to more complex color grading techniques and workflows in DaVinci Resolve.

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Search for tutorials on specific color grading techniques.
Follow along with the tutorial, practicing each step.
Adapt the techniques to your own projects.

Create a Color Grading Reel

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Creating a color grading reel will showcase your skills and help you build a portfolio of your work.

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Select a variety of video clips to grade.
Grade each clip to achieve a specific look or style.
Edit the clips together into a cohesive reel.
Add music and titles to enhance the presentation.

Grade a Short Film

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Grading a short film will provide a real-world experience in applying color grading techniques to a larger project.

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Find a short film project to work on.
Collaborate with the director and cinematographer to understand their vision.
Grade the film to achieve the desired look and feel.
Get feedback from the team and make revisions.

Career center

Learners who complete Color Grading Essentials In DaVinci Resolve 18 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Colorist

Colorists are experts in manipulating the color and overall look of video footage to achieve a specific aesthetic. This course provides a direct pathway to becoming a colorist, focusing on the essential tools and techniques within DaVinci Resolve 18. Colorists need excellent technical skills and a strong artistic eye. This course explains different methods of color grading, how to use the primary color wheels, curves, qualifier tool, and offset tool. Through practical exercises, this course helps aspiring colorists develop the proficiency needed to deliver high-quality results and meet client expectations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Colorist

Drone Videographer

Drone videographers capture aerial footage, which often requires color grading to enhance the visual appeal and correct for atmospheric conditions. This course teaches drone videographers how to use DaVinci Resolve 18 to achieve stunning results with their aerial videos. Primary color wheels are covered within the course. Drone videographers will learn to perfect exposure and white balance, use color grading to make sure their videos are top notch. This course provides the knowledge and skills to transform raw drone footage into breathtaking cinematic masterpieces.

See salaries and explore the career path for Drone Videographer

Digital Filmmaker

Digital filmmakers are involved in various aspects of film production, from shooting to post-production. This course offers a key skill set for digital filmmakers, particularly in the area of color grading. Digital filmmakers need to master color correction, achieve the desired cinematic look, and use various tools like curves, qualifiers, and LUTs. This course provides hands-on experience with different cameras, ensuring that digital filmmakers can make any video clip look cinematic, no matter the source. By mastering these techniques, digital filmmakers can enhance the visual impact and storytelling power of their films.

See salaries and explore the career path for Digital Filmmaker

Video Editor

A video editor assembles raw footage into a finished product suitable for broadcasting. This course directly applies to the color correction and color grading aspects of video editing. Video editors use their skills to ensure a consistent look and feel across an entire project. This course helps video editors learn how to use the color page in DaVinci Resolve, apply color grading techniques, achieve perfect exposure and white balance, and use LUTs to enhance the visual appeal of videos. Mastering these tools empowers a video editor to elevate their work, creating visually stunning and emotionally resonant content.

See salaries and explore the career path for Video Editor

Film Editor

Film editors are responsible for assembling raw footage into a cohesive and visually appealing final product, and color grading is an integral part of this process. By taking this course, the film editor can gain the skills needed to use the color page in DaVinci Resolve, apply color grading techniques, achieve perfect exposure and white balance, and use LUTs. This course may prepare film editors to enhance the emotional impact of their storytelling through masterful color manipulation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Film Editor

Wedding Videographer

Wedding videographers capture precious moments, and color grading can enhance the emotional impact of these memories. This course provides wedding videographers with the tools and techniques to make wedding videos look cinematic and beautiful. Wedding videographers will learn how to use the color page and the various methods of color grading. It is possible to learn about best color management setting in DaVinci Resolve and the color wheel. By mastering color grading, wedding videographers can deliver videos that truly capture the essence of the special day.

See salaries and explore the career path for Wedding Videographer

Music Video Editor

Music video editors create visually dynamic videos to accompany music tracks. Color grading is a key component of creating the desired aesthetic. The color grading using curves is just one module within this course. Music video editors are often tasked with color grading using the qualifier tool. By completing this course, music video editors enhance music videos, creating a visually stunning experience that complements the music and resonates with viewers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Video Editor

Corporate Videographer

Corporate videographers produce videos for businesses, and consistent color grading is essential for maintaining brand identity. This course teaches corporate videographers how to use DaVinci Resolve 18 to achieve a professional and polished look for their videos. Getting perfect exposure and white balance are crucial techniques. Corporate videographers are usually concerned with getting a perfect white balance. Equipped with these skills, corporate videographers can ensure that their videos align with the company's brand guidelines and effectively communicate its message.

See salaries and explore the career path for Corporate Videographer

Real Estate Videographer

Real estate videographers create videos that showcase properties, and enticing color grading can make a significant difference in attracting potential buyers. This course offers real estate videographers the skills to make properties look their best through expert color correction and grading. You will learn different methods of color grading and will understand why different clips might need different settings. Real estate videographers may also rely on color grading using LUTs. This course provides the hands-on training needed to create visually stunning videos that help sell properties faster and for higher prices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Real Estate Videographer

Content Creator

Content creators produce a variety of materials for online platforms, and visual appeal is essential for attracting and retaining viewers. This course teaches content creators how to enhance the visual quality of their videos through color grading in DaVinci Resolve 18. A content creator that has taken this course can learn to apply color correction, use LUTs, and achieve a cinematic look, regardless of the camera they use. This course can help content creators elevate their content, creating videos that stand out and engage their audience through visually stunning color grading.

See salaries and explore the career path for Content Creator

Post-Production Supervisor

Post production supervisors oversee all aspects of the post-production process, including color grading. Color grading is crucial for achieving the intended look and feel of a project. This course helps post production supervisors understand the essentials tools of color grading and the reasons why a project might need them. They can learn about color grading using LUTs as well as how to get perfect exposure and white balance. This course could provide a post production supervisor with the knowledge to effectively communicate with colorists and ensure the final product meets creative and technical standards.

See salaries and explore the career path for Post-Production Supervisor

Visual Effects Artist

Visual effects artists create images which involve integrating live-action footage with computer-generated imagery. Color grading is essential for making these scenes convincing. A course such as this one, may improve a visual effects artist's skillset by teaching them how to use contrast and pivot, as well as how to use qualifier presets. This course may help visual effects artists seamlessly blend visual effects with live footage, creating believable and immersive visual experiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Visual Effects Artist

Commercial Photographer

Commercial photographers create images for advertising and marketing purposes, with color playing a key role in conveying a brand's message. With this course, the commercial photographer may learn various methods of color grading and understand why different clips require it. This course may help commercial photographers fine-tune the colors in their images, ensuring they align with the brand's visual identity and evoke the desired emotions. Understanding color grading using curves and the qualifier tool can make a commercial photographer invaluable.

See salaries and explore the career path for Commercial Photographer

Broadcast Graphics Designer

Broadcast graphics designers create visual elements for television broadcasts, and color is a critical aspect of their work. By taking the course, the broadcast graphics designer can understand best color management setting in DaVinci Resolve as well as nodes and primary color wheels. This course can help broadcast graphics designers create visually engaging and cohesive graphics that enhance the viewing experience. They will learn about getting a perfect balance as well as the overview of the color page.

See salaries and explore the career path for Broadcast Graphics Designer

Motion Graphics Artist

Motion graphics artists create animated visuals for various media. While motion graphics often focus on animation, color plays a crucial role in the overall impact. This course may be useful to motion graphics artists who wish to refine the visual aesthetics of their work. A motion graphics artist can use the tools of color grading and the methods described within it to enhance the visual impact of their animations, ensuring a cohesive and visually appealing final product. This course may provide the color theory knowledge and technical skills to take their projects to the next level.

See salaries and explore the career path for Motion Graphics 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 Color Grading Essentials In DaVinci Resolve 18.

Color Correction Handbook

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Comprehensive guide to color correction and grading techniques. It covers a wide range of topics, from basic color theory to advanced grading workflows. It valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their color grading skills. This book is commonly used by industry professionals.

Color Correction Handbook: Professional Techniques...

Kindle Edition

$$$

Color Correction Handbook: Professional Techniques...

Paperback

$$$$

Color Grading Essentials In DaVinci Resolve 18

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Beginner davinci resolve color grading essentials

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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