color grading fs100 footage in fcp

[harrisoncj]

So I haven't done too much color grading. I almost always use final cut for my corrections because I haven't really had the time to learn after effects or apple color, but I'm surprised how well the avchd codec hold up. This is my most recent from original to final -

opinions? comments? is this improper grading technique or anything? I'm just figuring this stuff out.

 

[Amr Rahmy]

you should grade with a reason in mind,

maybe adjust the boundaries first, then add a look(just fine tuning), then work on feature enhancement.

maybe adjust the skin tone and background first, then work on enhancing the eyes, then the hair, and try to hide the weird lipstick, it should be on the lips not all around the mouth.

you need to make sure you did not grade something like the hair and made the lighter portion pink/magenta.

the lower half of the skin in he face does not match the upper portion, maybe work on that first.

 

[harrisoncj]

thanks for the input. This was for a modeling agency, so as for the lipstick, that was the make-up artist and the agency's choice. The magenta in the corner is actually an added flare that moves w/ the camera movement, it's more of an effect.

For the difference in the skintone on her shoulders and face - how would I correct something like that?

 

[Neex]

I highly suggest you try Color. If you spend an hour with the manual, you'll have a good grasp on how to use it. I really dislike FCP's color grading tools.

 

[Amr Rahmy]

i don't have links available, but if you search color grading, or color correction or apple color or davinci resolve, on youtube and vimeo you may find some nice video tutorials that go through the master/primary/secondary process.

just keep in mind that it's a fine tuning process, the final footage is not supposed to look heavily graded.

 

[marlontorres]

I like the original the best.

 

[Neex]

Yeah, in this case the graded image isn't more pleasing than the original. I'd try pushing things in a different direction.

 

[thxdave]

I like the original the best.

+1

 

[eheath]

Yeah, the blacks/mids are brought down way too much, crushed the hair color and eye color

 

[SergeSmArt]

I like the original the best.

As an Artist, I'm not agree with you.. if my monitor show me the RIGHT colors ( we have to remember this problem with different monitors ! ) original seems too Yellish, and to "simple" my taste and I prefer the last one

 

[PaPa]

I like the original the best.

same here. but i also agree it's a little too yellow. Here is my 30 second stab at it: