Rediscover The Basics

Series	Rediscover the Basics

Thinking about how to approach the foundation of every Look

Next up in my series on rediscovering the basics is to take a look at contrast.

In my opinion contrast is the most important part of creating the look.

You can take an image to a extremely bright and zingy direction, low contrast milky direction or a natural cinematic look all with just the contrast levels.

In the insight below you’ll see my different thoughts and approaches to contrast.

We’ll take the same clip as before and try and create as many different feels as possible by just adjusting the contrast.

Here is the full versions of my two reference clips :

‘Destination’ – DubVision & Feenixpawl

‘Destination’ – DubVision & Feenixpawl from Jake Scott Cinematographer on Vimeo.

This video was shot on 35mm film and has a very natural look. I use it as a nice reference when trying to emulate film. It doesn’t have to be a heavy crazy look to feel filmic!

PHILIPS – HUE

This is a reference look for a few different contrast levels across different eras. The modern look was pushed to be a nice and shiny feeling.

My Thoughts

I always start with a reference image in mind. Browse the web and find 5 different photos you like and try and match the contrast.

I find I get my best looks from the most unexpected reference images!

Check out my insight below to see how I got on.

– Dan

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Comments

Creator

Discussion
January 14, 2015 at 4:49 pm #33664

Dan Moran
Participant

This is the discussion thread for the Insight: Rediscover The Basics – Contrast
Creator

Discussion

Anton Sievert
Member

May 21, 2017 at 6:23 pm

The insight video seems to be missing. Is it not linked after the relaunch or could it be a problem with my browser?
Anton Sievert
Member

June 10, 2017 at 9:22 am

Anybody?
Dan Moran
Member

June 11, 2017 at 10:30 am

Hey Anton! Sorry about this I’ll get this moved over right now. Sorry about the delay.
Dan Moran
Member

June 11, 2017 at 11:00 am

All fixed now! Thanks for finding this for me.
Anton Sievert
Member

June 25, 2017 at 4:55 pm

Thanks Dan! No problem!
Todd
Guest

September 9, 2018 at 1:51 pm

I’m sorry, but I really don’t find this sort of tutorial to be worth paying $24 a month for. You don’t even use the scopes to figure out if you’re really clipping or not, or to adjust the lift? It seems like you’re just ‘winging’ it – try this, try that, a little of this – and all on the curves. How about contrast between midtones and highlights vs contrast between midtones and blacks, and how to accomplish that?
Dan Moran
Guest

September 9, 2018 at 3:18 pm

Thanks for the feedback Todd in general I agree with you and of course I understand the importance of scopes and how they can guide one in grading, and understanding issues like clipping as you mention. I also understand how the insight might feel like I’m winging it…I’m not. One theme of this series was for placing emphasis on the visual side of things and to challenge colorists really learning ‘how to see’

I probably do take for granted my ability to see things like clipping in the image etc. and I’ll try and reference scopes more in upcoming Insights. I’d also love to record a new insight based on your question about mids and highlights vs mids and blacks contrast.

Is there a particular scenario / camera format you’d like me to focus on? It just helps me focus on the right sample footage and solution. Making something shot well on a great camera look more stylized is a totally different approach to fixing something shot badly on a difficult camera format etc..
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Rediscover The Basics – Contrast