In this weeks MailBag Episode, we take a look at a couple great questions that we got from members Jonathan and Lars.

First up, we’ll discuss using the Tangent Element in Adobe SpeedGrade and compare that experience to DaVinci Resolve. In Question 2 we’ll jump into a detailed and nuanced discussion of:How do you know what is good skin tone?

Also this week we’re introducing a new section in our Mailbag Posts – Mailbag Notes.

The Notes section will contain links to other Mixing Light Insights that we talk about in the Mailbags as well as links to books, other websites and even commercials and films that we discuss in each episode. If you have some links that you think would be helpful for other members please use the comments and we’ll add them into the show notes.

Remember, if you have questions that you’d like to get an opinion on please use the contact form. Your questions can be aesthetic, technical or even client related. We’d love to hear from you, and your question might make future episodes of From the Mailbag.

Question 1: What’s The Tangent Element Like In SpeedGrade?

First up, we got a question from Mixing Light member Jonathan who is curious about our impressions of using the Tangent Element in SpeedGrade but also in Resolve.

Jonathan has the center Tangent Element TK panel and is looking to expand his setup but would like know what we think about using the panel.

Putting it simply – we LOVE the Element panels in SpeedGrade but not quite as much in Resolve.

Scroll down to listen to Question #1 as we discuss this is great detail.

Question 2: How Do You Get Good Skin Tones & How Do You Know What Good Skin Tone Is?

Next, Mixing Light member Lars asks what is good skin tone?  How do you know you have good skin tone?

We discuss the topic of skin tone in-depth, including why not to be obsessed about the vectorscope skin tone line, how to let clients guide you to correct skin tone if you’re unsure of yourself, and how important shot-to-shot consistency is when it comes to skin.

Additionally, we also discuss the trend of orange, very tanned skin tones in many Hollywood films and how those skin tones aren’t for everyone.

A juicy topic for sure!

Don’t forget, scroll down after the audio for this Episode’s Show Notes…

– Team Mixing Light