Color correction makes shots believable together. Color grading decides how that balanced scene should feel. Separating the jobs makes both easier.
When this helps
Use it whenever footage comes from several shots, cameras or lighting conditions.
Steps
1. Disable the creative look and normalize log footage with the correct transform.
2. Correct exposure, white balance and unwanted casts on a representative shot.
3. Match the remaining shots to that reference before judging style.
4. Create the look in a separate node, layer or adjustment so it can be changed without undoing correction.
5. Review skin, highlights and saturation on scopes, then watch the complete sequence at normal speed.
Common mistakes
Do not apply a LUT to solve bad white balance. Avoid making every shot individually attractive while the sequence flickers between them. Style cannot replace consistency.
Final checklist
- Footage normalized correctly
- Exposure balanced
- White balance corrected
- Shots matched
- Look separated from correction
- Full sequence reviewed