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What You’ll Learn

• The 3 pillars of grading (Hue, Saturation, Luminance)
• Setting up DaVinci Resolve
• Practicing with LOG / RAW footage
• Building your first node tree
• Wide Color Space workflow
• Using the Kodak 2383 LUT
• Essential tools (only the ones that matter) </aside>

Color grading sounds complicated, but at its core, it’s all about three simple things:

• Hue → the actual color.
• Saturation → how vibrant that color looks.
• Luminance → how bright or dark it feels.

Every time you touch a grade, you’re just adjusting one (or all) of these. Master them, and you’ll control the mood of your visuals.

Step 1: Setting Up DaVinci Resolve

If you’re just starting out, grab the free version of DaVinci Resolve. Don’t overthink it.

1. Go to the Blackmagic site → download the free Resolve (not Studio).
2. Install it → open it. Done.

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MAC SETTINGS FOR RESOLVE:

If you are using Resolve on a mac, it is important to turn on these settings ASAP for an accurate export.

Part 1:

1. Open DaVinci Resolve.
2. In the top menu, click DaVinci Resolve → Preferences.
3. Go to the System tab, then click General.
4. Check the box for Use Mac Display Color Profiles for Viewers.
5. Hit Save and restart Resolve.

Part 2:

1. Create a new project (or open a fresh one).
2. Go to File → Project Settings (or gear icon bottom right).
3. In the left panel, select Color Management.
4. Under Timeline Color Space / Output Color Space, change it from Rec.709(Scene) to Rec.709-A. </aside>

That’s it. Now you’re ready to dive in.

Step 2: Practice With LOG or RAW Footage

If you only ever grade compressed footage, you’ll limit yourself. LOG or RAW is where you get real flexibility.