Revolutionize Your Color Grading with Advanced Masking Technique in DaVinci Resolve

Table of Contents

• Introduction to the Advanced Masking Technique
• Identifying the Problem in the Shot
• Converting Log Image to Rec 709
• Preparing the Image for Masking and Tracking
• Creating Masks for Each Subject
• Combining Masks Using Key Mixer
• Applying the Mask to Adjustments
• Individual Adjustments with Masks
• FAQ

Introduction to the Advanced Masking Technique

Hey there! Are you ready to revolutionize your color grading game? Well, I’ve got a new mask technique that’s going to blow your mind! With this advanced masking technique in DaVinci Resolve, you’ll be able to make precise adjustments to specific areas of your shot without affecting the rest of the image. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!

Have you ever had that perfect lighting setup on set, only to realize later that there were some small adjustments you could have made to make your post-production workflow a whole lot easier? We’ve all been there. But fear not, because this masking technique will help you fix those pesky problems in no time.

Today, I’m going to walk you through how I solved a common problem in color grading using this advanced masking technique. Get ready to take your color grading skills to the next level!

Identifying the Problem in the Shot

Okay, let’s dive right into it! Take a look at the clip we’ll be working on today. Notice how the floor in this shot immediately draws your eye. Normally, I would use a power window to darken the floor and make it less distracting. But here’s the catch – I don’t want to darken the talent, just the floor.

So, how do we make adjustments to the scene around our subjects without touching the subjects themselves? That’s where this advanced masking technique comes in. I’m going to show you step-by-step how to tackle this problem and make your subjects pop without affecting the rest of the shot.

Get ready to say goodbye to distracting elements in your shots and hello to professional-grade color grading!

Converting Log Image to Rec 709

Now that we’ve identified the problem in our shot, it’s time to get down to business. The first step in this advanced masking technique is to convert our log image to Rec 709. This will ensure that we’re working with the correct color space and have the best starting point for our color grading.

To do this, we’ll use a color space transform. In this example, we shot our footage using the Sony S log 3 profile, so we’ll input that into the color space transform node. Then, we’ll set our output to Rec 709 gamma 2.4, which is a standard color space for video.

Once we’ve converted our image to Rec 709, we want to enhance the data in our key, making it easier for the masking and tracking process. By increasing the saturation and contrast, we’re giving our key more information to work with, ensuring accurate tracking of our subjects.

Now that we’ve set the stage for our advanced masking technique, get ready to see the magic happen as we mask and track each individual subject in our shot. Let’s go!

Preparing the Image for Masking and Tracking

Before we dive into the advanced masking technique, we need to prepare our image for masking and tracking. The first step is to convert our log image to Rec 709. This ensures that we’re working with the correct color space and have the best starting point for our color grading.

To do this, we’ll use a color space transform. In our example, we shot our footage using the Sony S log 3 profile, so we’ll input that into the color space transform node. Then, we’ll set our output to Rec 709 gamma 2.4, which is a standard color space for video.

Once we’ve converted our image to Rec 709, we want to enhance the data in our key. By increasing the saturation and contrast, we’re giving our key more information to work with, ensuring accurate tracking of our subjects. Don’t worry if the image looks a bit ugly at this stage – we’re just giving our key the best chance of success.

Now that we’ve set the stage for our advanced masking technique, get ready to see the magic happen as we mask and track each individual subject in our shot. Let’s go!

Creating Masks for Each Subject

With our image prepared, it’s time to create masks for each subject in our shot. We’ll use the Magic Mask tool in DaVinci Resolve to make this process quick and easy.

Starting from left to right, we’ll use the Magic Mask tool to draw a mask around each subject. Pressing Shift + H allows us to see the selection, and holding Alt or Option lets us remove any unwanted areas from the mask.

Once we have drawn a mask for each dancer, we’ll track each mask to ensure it stays intact throughout the shot. Press Shift + H to watch the playback and make sure the masks stay accurate and aligned with their respective subjects.

Repeat this process for each and every dancer in the shot, and make sure to track each mask carefully. This step is crucial in ensuring that our masks accurately follow the movements of our subjects.

Combining Masks Using Key Mixer

Now that we have masks for each subject, it’s time to combine them using the Key Mixer tool in DaVinci Resolve. The Key Mixer allows us to merge our individual masks into one node, making it easier to make adjustments to all the masks at once.

Start by adding a Serial node and then several parallel nodes, one for each subject. Then, go to the Key Mixer tool and add enough inputs for each subject. In our case, we have five subjects, so we added five inputs.

Connect each of the individual masks to the respective inputs in the Key Mixer. This will combine all of our masks into one node, so any changes we make will affect all of the masks simultaneously.

Make sure to double-check that all of the masks are correctly connected to the Key Mixer node. The masks should appear in white in the Key Mixer node, indicating that they are properly linked.

With our masks combined, we can now make adjustments to them as a group. This allows us to easily fine-tune the look of each subject without affecting the others. For example, if one subject appears too bright, we can adjust their mask individually to correct the exposure.

And there you have it – by combining our masks using the Key Mixer, we can make precise adjustments to each subject while keeping the rest of the image unaffected. This advanced masking technique revolutionizes color grading in DaVinci Resolve, giving you complete control over your shots.

Applying the Mask to Adjustments

Now that we have our masks set up for each subject, it’s time to apply them to our adjustments. This is where the real magic happens!

In DaVinci Resolve, we can easily apply the masks to specific adjustments using the Power Window tool. With the Power Window tool selected, simply click and drag over the area you want to apply the adjustment to. In our case, we’ll use the Power Window to darken the floor without affecting the talent.

Once the Power Window is applied, you can make adjustments to the selected area using the Adjustment controls. In this example, we’ll decrease the exposure and increase the contrast of the floor to make it less distracting.

By applying the mask to our adjustments, we can target specific areas of the shot and make precise changes without affecting the rest of the image. This gives us complete control over our color grading and allows us to create a more polished and professional look.

So go ahead and experiment with applying masks to your adjustments in DaVinci Resolve. You’ll be amazed at the level of control and creativity it gives you!

Individual Adjustments with Masks

Now that we have our masks set up for each subject, let’s explore how we can make individual adjustments to each subject using these masks.

In DaVinci Resolve, we can apply the masks to specific adjustments using the Power Window tool. With the Power Window selected, we can click and drag over the area we want to adjust for each subject. This allows us to make precise changes to each subject without affecting the rest of the image.

For example, let’s say one of the dancers appears too dark compared to the others. We can simply apply the mask to that specific dancer and make adjustments to their exposure, contrast, or any other parameter as needed.

By making individual adjustments with masks, we can ensure that each subject looks their best in the final shot. This level of control allows us to create a more visually appealing and professional-looking video.

So don’t be afraid to experiment with individual adjustments using masks in DaVinci Resolve. It’s a powerful technique that can take your color grading to the next level!

FAQ

Q: Can I use this advanced masking technique with any type of footage?

A: Absolutely! This advanced masking technique can be applied to any type of footage, whether it’s shot indoors or outdoors, in low light or bright sunlight. As long as you have subjects that you want to isolate and make adjustments to, this technique will work wonders.

Q: How long does it take to create masks for each subject?

A: The time it takes to create masks for each subject will vary depending on the complexity of the shot and the number of subjects. However, with practice, you’ll become faster at creating masks and tracking them. It’s all about getting familiar with the tools and techniques in DaVinci Resolve.

Q: Can I make adjustments to the masks after they have been created?

A: Absolutely! Once you have created the masks for each subject, you can always go back and make adjustments to them. Whether you want to refine the edges, change the shape, or adjust the tracking, DaVinci Resolve provides you with the flexibility to fine-tune your masks for the best results.

Q: Can I use this technique for other types of adjustments, not just color grading?

A: Yes, you can! While this technique is primarily used for color grading, you can also apply it to other types of adjustments, such as sharpening, noise reduction, or even adding special effects. The key is to apply the masks to the specific adjustment you want to make, giving you complete control over the look and feel of your video.

So don’t be afraid to think outside the box and get creative with this advanced masking technique in DaVinci Resolve!