SOOC = Straight Out Of Camera
Many, many years ago, I almost worried myself thin wondering just how on earth Hollywood “get those colors??!!”
It wasn’t until fairly recently that I discovered the art (or, science?) of Color Grading.
According to Wikipedia, the free encyclopaedia:
Color grading is the process of altering and enhancing the color of a motion picture or television image, either electronically, photo-chemically or digitally. The photo-chemical process is also referred to as color timing and is typically performed at aphotographic laboratory. Modern color correction, whether for theatrical film or video distribution, is generally done digitally.
Furthermore, it goes on to explain:
Some of the main functions of electronic (digital) color grading:[1]
- Reproduce accurately what was shot
- Compensate for variations in the material (i.e. film errors, white balance, varying lighting conditions)
- Optimize transfer for use of special effects
- Establish a desired ‘look’
- Enhance and/or alter the mood of a scene — the visual equivalent to the musical accompaniment of a film; compare also film tinting.
For those who are fairly observant, Color Grading is to the movies what Photoshop is to still photography.
So, what has this got to do with anything here, you may ask?
Well, EVERYTHING! Ok. Almost everything.
The above images would likely help clarify this.
The photo on the left is SOOC. Shot on a Nikon D70 (please let us observe a moment of silence for the dearly departed…).
The photo on the right however has received some tender loving care in post processing to “get that look!”
Surely, the images speak clearly for themselves?
Yes?
I thought so, too!
Thanks for stopping by.
