The Science Behind Color Grading: Setting the Mood with Colors
“Color does not add a pleasant quality to design – it reinforces it.” - Pierre Bonnard
Introduction
The art and science of filmmaking have evolved dramatically with the advent of digital technology. Among the myriad tools available to filmmakers today, color grading stands out as a vital element in post-production. Beyond mere color correction, color grading is the deliberate manipulation of the visual tone and mood of a film, short, or video.
The Basics of Color Perception
Before diving into color grading, it’s essential to grasp our color perception mechanisms. Our eyes have both rods and cones. While rods function in dim light, cones detect color. With three types of cones attuned to the red, green, and blue parts of the spectrum, our brain processes their signals to render the myriad of colors we see.
The Emotional Impact of Colors
Colors have profound psychological and emotional...