If I can improve one thing about my photography and editing skill, it will to creatively color grade my photos to create my own artistic style. But soon I will learn that too. My first attempt at color grading without just throwing on a filter using Alien Skin or other plugins.
I am on the same path. I like your post. Keep working on your goal. Are you using your own pictures in your edits?
I am using my own photos.
Your picture looks good. When you get nice colors in camera, color grading is much easier in post. I can see that the color tones in the picture you posted are already great.
I agree, but these tones are manipulated. I wish the results are always this good. Check out my Instagram for more of my work. You'll see what I am talking about in terms of inconsistency in colors.
I started this course today: Retouching Beauty and Portraits with Pratik Naik. When I learn more, I will give you some tips.
I also heard great comments about Michael Woloszynowicz's color grading class, on Retouching Academy. Cool picture by the way!
I bought that the day it came out. Really helped me get a grasp on all the different adjustment layers and which ones are best for targeting specific parts of an image.
He's the best. Trained me on retouching when I knew almost nothing.
Your work is amazing.
Yeah been watching him, I guess I need to stop just watching and start learning.
Just a tip,
There's a small misconception of color grading is that it's all done in post. While that is partly true, one of the most important aspects of creating a great color grade is planning before the shoot even takes place. Ask yourself, what colors will my subject be wearing? What color eyes? Hair? What colors/mood will the setting be? Study color theory and complementary colors.
Here's an example: Notice her hair color, eye color, and wardrobe colors are all complimentary. Once I decided on that, I matched the background color and mood to tie it all together.