Source: China Tutorial Network Author: Hong Yannanfei Before hand-adjusting the pictures, I would like to talk about some personal opinions on color grading. Just a little opinion to discuss with everyone!
Due to my limited level, please correct me if I am wrong! !
First of all, we need to have an overall idea for color mixing, which can be divided into two major steps:
1: What is a school map? Correct the color cast and optimize the picture! A good original picture should have clear layers and clear colors. Then it will be much easier for us to get started. The previous step can be omitted. However, due to the influence of various aspects such as photography technology and ambient light, there are more or less problems. For example, underexposure, overexposure, shadow and highlight imbalance, color cast, etc. . . So what if it is solved?
For underexposed areas, you can use color levels and curves to brighten the dark areas. Overexposed images can be darkened through color levels and curves as long as the details are intact. A slightly more complicated method can be done by calculating until the selected area is selected and then adjusting it with curves to achieve a satisfactory effect! Adjust colors within the calculated selection, etc. . . The shadow and highlight imbalance can be adjusted by using the shadow and highlight function in the adjustment menu. This is a very useful tool! There are more ways to adjust the color cast. . .
We can spot these problems by looking at the peaks in the histogram. It is recommended that beginners learn histogram knowledge first. Another point is to distinguish priorities. Generally, people photos have people as the main subject. It can appropriately blur the surrounding environment objects. To achieve the effect of highlighting the characters. Make it true and false! In the later stage, the pictures will be sharpened and detailed to remove noise to achieve a clear and delicate effect.
2: Style A good color grading work often gives people a strong visual impact. Many masters or wedding photography agencies are imitated by many people because of their obvious personal style! So style is very important. And this is quite subjective and flexible. This depends on your personality and your understanding of color. Aesthetics have a direct impact. I suggest that you start by appreciating and imitating the works of masters and learning their painting styles. Of course, the methods of color mixing are also diverse. Some materials can be synthesized in the picture. Beautiful brushes. To enhance the atmosphere. . Or the finishing touch...
Okay, let’s get to the point and look at the following example:
Original picture.jpg)
final effect.jpg)
1. Open the image. First we need to adjust this image, which is the previous step of calibration. Whether you observe it with your eyes or through the histogram, it is not difficult to find that this image is obviously overexposed. The background is too bright. The levels are not clear enough. The peaks of the histogram are concentrated on the right highlight. But fortunately the details have not been lost. This way there is room for redemption.
2. First, I use the Levels adjustment layer to adjust the overall grayscale of the character. Click Create New Adjustment Layer below the Layers panel
3. Because this step is for graying out adjustments for characters. The standard is that the shadow details of the characters are not lost. Just click on it and it will be done automatically. The layers of the characters are revealed.
4. Next is to darken the background. Still creating a Levels adjustment layer, drag the left and middle sliders to the right highlight position.
5. I found that the characters and the left side of the picture were darker. Use a black brush to erase some of the mask.
6. Get results
7. Now create the Selective Color Adjustment Layer again. Selectable Color is a very useful color adjustment tool, which I personally prefer. . hey-hey. .
8. Fine adjustments
9. The effect is as shown in the figure. It’s okay to find things light and dark. But the character’s skin tone is gray
10. Stamp the layer first. For the next calculation
11.Image calculation
12. What is calculated in this way is exactly the selection area dominated by the character’s skin color.
13. Hold down the Ctrl key and click on the Alpa channel to load the selection. Return RGB channel
14. Create a curve adjustment layer under the layers panel
15.RGB channel for brightening. Brighten the red and blue channels. This way your rosy and fair complexion will appear.
16. At this time, I found that the upper right corner was still a little too bright.
17. Create a Curves adjustment layer. Darken it
18. Remove the left bit of the mask
19. At this time, it is basically OK to look at the effect and histogram.
20. Just a little processing. A humble original photo becomes full of life and brilliance. . .In fact, this is also a style, a natural and fresh style
21. Now let me create an aesthetic style. Change the green background behind to dark red. The middle color continues to be darkened to highlight the characters. Create a Hue Saturation adjustment layer.
-
22. Single choice green. Click on the Attach Pick Tool below. Pick up green in the picture and click on a few more locations. Then change the hue and saturation
23.Create another optional color adjustment layer
24. Adjust the neutral color in the image so that it leans toward dark cyan for a contrasting effect.
25. If it affects the character’s skin color. You can use a black brush to paint the characters on the mask
26. Create a color balance adjustment layer to adjust the midtones and dark tones. . Continue to lean towards cyan
27.Finally stamp the layer. Add a border and call it a day