Color Grading in Photography: A Complete Guide

Color grading is the process of altering and enhancing the color of a motion picture, video image, or still image. In photography, it goes beyond basic color correction to create a specific mood or aesthetic.

The Difference Between Correction and Grading

Color correction aims for technical accuracy — making sure colors look natural and true-to-life. Color grading takes you further, deliberately shifting the color palette to achieve an artistic effect.

Both are essential. Always correct first (fix white balance, exposure, basic tone), then grade (apply your creative look).

Split Toning

Split toning adds different color tints to the highlights and shadows separately. A classic cinematic look uses warm (orange-yellow) highlights with cool (teal-blue) shadows — you see this in countless Hollywood films and Instagram feeds alike.