Studio workflow / Learn by doing
Colour Grading explained simply
What is โColour Gradingโ?
Adjusting colour and tone to create a consistent visual mood or style across images.
- 01Neutral correction
- 02Creative look
- 03Consistent series
How do you use Colour Grading practically?
A small exercise
Make a neutral edit first, then apply a subtle warm or cool style to a copy. Compare a small series together.
- Make a starting version and keep it so you can compare fairly.
- Try the change in the exercise. Keep unrelated choices steady where the exercise allows.
- Compare the result at the size your viewer will actually see. Write down what changed and whether it helped.
How does Colour Grading solve a problem?
It helps a campaign feel cohesive even when individual photographs differ.
What can go wrong?
A creative grade should not misrepresent important product colours. Keep an accurate version where the brief needs it.
How do you turn the idea into a useful solution?
Start with the specific problem in your image or brief, try the exercise, and keep the version that meets that need. If the result is worse, return to the starting version and change one choice at a time.
Quick check: can you explain the three ideas in the diagram?
Neutral correction โ Creative look โ Consistent series. Explain how each relates to the exercise. Then compare the starting version with your result and choose the one that meets your brief.
Related video lesson
Photo editing โ Adobe
This related lesson gives wider context for the topic. Camera menus and software versions may differ from yours.
Loading the player connects to YouTube. You can also watch the lesson on YouTube.Keep exploring
Try the idea in a studio shoot
Planning a portrait or product session? Use the glossary with our practical shoot guides, then check the studio facilities and send your confirmed requirements with an availability enquiry.