How to copy the COLOR GRADE of ANY Image

Learn how to match the color grade from any image to one of your own!

The heart of color grading comes down to understanding how light and color work in the highlight, midtone and shadow areas of a photograph. In this video I'll use Adobe Photoshop to illustrate the concept and how it works. Of course this same idea can be applied to any software application that you are using for photography (Lightroom, Luminare, DX0, Capture One etc).

• Understand how to sample colors and see toning in both shadow and highlight detail
• find the midtones
• match a color grade using a color balance adjustment layer
• match a color grade using a curves adjustment layer

Check out my other videos:

On my channel you will find videos about photography, cinematography, post processing tutorials for Capture One, Lightroom and Photoshop, photo assignments that YOU can participate in, the Artist Series and more. The Artist Series is an ongoing set of videos I produce as documentaries on living photographers. I am extremely passionate about photography and video and my goal in making these videos is to share my passion and enthusiasm with you! Don’t forget to subscribe and make sure to hit the like button and share this video if you enjoyed it!

Ted Forbes
The Art of Photography
2830 S. Hulen, Studio 133
Fort Worth, TX 76109
US of A

[ajajane]

This is definitely one of the most helpful videos about color grading I’ve seen!

[ericp.]

"Do you want to see more of these videos?..."

... YES

[chrisrmarxen]

What I like the most is that you choose such nice photos for your demonstration. That's what other presenters just miss on a regular basis.

[salemyankton]

This the BTS of breaking bad we all wanted. Hank’s side hustle off the clock. Providing the people w/ grade A digital content. You da man hank

[Nicholas-]

I’m a professional automotive Retoucher and that was so helpful. Thanks Ted.

[erikadvorsak]

Excellent video! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge! Videos like this really make a difference.

[therealnotanerd_account]

Sometimes people complain when Ted makes a video about gear. But when we look at the numbers few people really watch those videos about art (which I consider this one to be). That`s why I don't care when he does videos about gear because from time to time a precious gem like this one is made.
Great video Ted, very inspiring. Please make videos about printing processes.

[matteorizzo]

Finally, an actually useful tutorial about color grading! That's gold. Thank you.

[gravity_dog]

A designer for almost 9 years and I've learned something new here. I see a world of possibilities opening up with these techniques. Thanks Ted!

[viewsfromthechris]

Thank you! The way you talk about things not only helps with color grading but helps me understand Photoshop as a program!

[jean-pierrejoubert]

It’s gotta be said: You are an amazing teacher. Not everyone can take seemingly difficult topics and present them simply and clearly. Thank you!

[ryans_life]

You have been making fantastic videos for many years but for me this one is beyond amazing. Ted you are a master teacher

[SergioGVasco]

Thank you so much, learned a lot. I would love it if you could do some more of these. I think your channel is one of the more informative, with some of the highest quality photography content on YouTube. Take care!

[alizamanik]

Ted! you have no idea how helpful this was for me!
It really transformed the way that I color grade my film scans!!
Really really thank you!

[dominicruegg]

Absolutely fantastic! I‘ve been looking for a technique like this for ages! Thanks!

[katieeckhardt]

I am just so so so happy I found you and your page! You have helped me so much! Thank you for your knowledge!

[derryk]

Don't forget that you have to soften the image a bit digital is very razor sharp also adding film grain emulsion and texture really sends it into that vintage look. Because those old images were far from perfect images that's what makes them so appealing.

[philipshucet]

Thanks for continuing to add educational content and sharing your knowledge.

[futuresdojo]

Btw, for those who are wondering who the photographer is for the image that Ted is using in this video, his name is Saul Leiter.
Didn't see his name in the VD, so here you go! Look up his work, he's really good!

[kaijan]

Wow Ted, once again I learned something from you. Thank you so much for sharing this. You are definately the most competent Tutor out there when it comes to photography.