How I COLOUR GRADE my Footage with AI + Free LUTs
Science & Technology
Introduction
In today's digital age, artificial intelligence (AI) offers an impressive array of tools for creatives, ranging from image generation and editing to audio enhancement. However, amidst this plethora of innovations, a lack of professional-grade AI tools for color grading has persisted. While platforms like RunwayML have introduced color grading AI, many professionals find them not yet suitable for their work. Fortunately, I recently stumbled upon a method using AI that efficiently elevates color grading, giving images a professional and cinematic touch.
The Process
To illustrate this technique, I’ll be using DaVinci Resolve for the actual color grading, and MidJourney, an AI tool for generating reference images. Remarkably, both tools have free versions accessible to anyone, making this method entirely free if both applications are employed.
Step 1: Setting Up Your Project
Open DaVinci Resolve and import your footage. Ensure you have duplicates of your clips; this will help in making side-by-side comparisons later. Before diving into the color grading, spend some time identifying your desired style. If you haven't already gathered references, now is the time to create a mood board or gather inspiration that you can describe when generating images with MidJourney.
Step 2: Generating Style References with MidJourney
Launch MidJourney and use the prompt format dash imagine followed by a detailed description of the footage. Describe not only the content but also the color palette and overall mood you are aiming for. For example, if you are visualizing a classic cinematic look reminiscent of Kodak film, make sure to include that in your description.
After generating the image, choose one that aligns with your desired aesthetic. Upscale the chosen image for clarity and detail, preparing it for the color matching process in DaVinci Resolve.
Step 3: Color Match in DaVinci Resolve
Return to DaVinci Resolve, where you’ll find your original clip unchanged. Create a new node and highlight the clip you wish to edit. Right-click to access the option to "Shot Match." This integrates the color palette from your selected MidJourney image into your footage.
Although the outcome might not be perfect from the get-go, minor tweaks usually yield better results – particularly addressing any unwanted greenish hues that sometimes appear.
Step 4: Fine-Tuning Your Grades
As you continue to refine your color grading, consider adjusting exposure, contrast, and color balance to fit your visual preference. For instance, if the desired output feels overly vibrant or intense, bring back the shadows or reduce saturation until it looks more natural.
If the footage appears too monochromatic, consider qualifying skin tones to maintain warmth, even in cooler images. This enhances the emotional impact of your footage while maintaining a cinematic quality.
Final Step: Compare and Save Your Work
The power of creating duplicates lies in your ability to conduct quick before-and-after comparisons. This demonstrates the richness of your newly colored clip against the original flat footage. The more refined color grading will greatly increase the emotional depth and visual appeal of your work.
To facilitate further experimentation and sharing, I’m compiling the looks generated from this process into free LUTs (Lookup Tables) for download. You can find the link to grab these LUTs below.
Conclusion
This color grading process utilizing AI tools demonstrates how creativity intersects with technology, streamlining workflows and enhancing artistic expression. Since I began making videos and exploring such techniques consistently, the experience has been incredibly fulfilling.
If you enjoyed this article or wish to engage further, don’t hesitate to comment below or connect with me. Additionally, I’ve been watching “Succession” lately, and highly recommend it. It’s a stunning show that really demonstrates how cinematic quality can enhance storytelling.
Thank you for reading! Happy color grading!
Keywords
AI tools, color grading, DaVinci Resolve, MidJourney, LUTs, cinematic look, color matching, film emulation.
FAQ
Q: What are the main tools used for this color grading process?
A: The primary tools used are DaVinci Resolve for color grading and MidJourney for generating reference images.
Q: Can I use the free versions of these tools?
A: Yes, both DaVinci Resolve and MidJourney offer free versions that can be utilized for this method.
Q: What do I need to do before starting the color grading process?
A: It's helpful to identify your desired style and gather references before proceeding with color grading in DaVinci Resolve.
Q: What can I do if the color match doesn't turn out as expected?
A: You can make adjustments to exposure, saturation, and green tones in Resolve to refine the final look to your satisfaction.
Q: Are LUTs available for download from this process?
A: Yes, the looks generated will be compiled into free LUTs for download, which you can use for your own footage.
