A Clever Technique for Copying the Color Grading From One Photo to Another

The color grading is one of the most memorable parts of any photographer's images, and it's a stylistic choice that we often admire in those photographers we look up to. This awesome tutorial will show you a clever technique for copying the color grading from one image to another. 

Coming to you from Unmesh Dinda of PiXimperfect, this very neat tutorial will show you a method for copying the color grading of one image and using it on a photo of your own. Color grading is a very subtle and nuanced art, but it's also the sort of final touch that can really turn a good photo into a great one and help you to develop a signature style. It's definitely worth taking the time to experiment a bit and find a style that you think suits you. And remember, you don't even have to use this technique on just photos. If you have a favorite movie whose color grading you really admire, grab a still frame from it and apply the same technique. Finally, it can be really easy to go overboard on color grading, so be sure to take a second look at your image when you've finished to process. Check out the video above for the full rundown. 

Alex Cooke's picture

Alex Cooke is a Cleveland-based portrait, events, and landscape photographer. He holds an M.S. in Applied Mathematics and a doctorate in Music Composition. He is also an avid equestrian.

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7 Comments

Good Improvement.
You can record or improve .. I tilt more to improve the image.
But you can also do this just fine w PS ..
I found it valuable on the January Blood Moon Eclipse

Because I use NIK Plugin .. it allows more control and is more flexible. The Eclipse is very low light at its max and the fix gives it Great Punch.

Agreed. I have this plugin and it's amazing how easily it can reproduce tone onto another photo. I'm very surprised the author of the article didn't mention it.

learn photoshop? i ain't got time for that! .. looking for shortcut button

This narrator is continuing to be more and more streamlined in his presentations. He talks at a good clip, and we can always pause or review if we need to. Just a year or so ago these were so slow and arduous. Now, even though I don't have much use for this particular technique, I enjoyed watching the process very much. Thanks for the post.

r u frick'n kidd'n me? my brain is hurt'n.... ok, guess i can file this away for when i... might.... need it....