What is a Color Grading in Photography?
Color grading is the process of adjusting the tones, colors, and mood of an image during post-processing. Unlike basic color correction which aims to fix exposure or white balance, color grading is more about creative expression. It’s where you shape the feel of a photo: warm and dreamy, cool and moody, cinematic, vintage, or clean. It’s the final polish that gives your images their vibe.
Color Grading vs Color Correction
Color correction is about accuracy — making whites look white and skin tones look natural. Color grading is about style — pushing colors, enhancing contrast, and creating a visual signature. It’s the difference between “technically correct” and “visually compelling.” Most photographers start with correction, then move into grading to build a consistent aesthetic.
How Photographers Use Color Grading
Some photographers lean into warm tones, desaturate shadows, or add teal/orange contrast for that cinematic feel. Others keep it soft and pastel. Whether you're editing in Lightroom, Capture One, or Photoshop, grading lets you manipulate color temperature, hue, saturation, and luminance across specific tones. The goal? Make your image feel intentional, not random.
Where Color Grading Fits in Your Workflow
Color grading usually comes near the end of your editing process — after you've cropped, straightened, fixed exposure, and handled skin tones. It’s the mood-setter. Whether you apply a custom edit or use a preset, grading gives your work cohesion and impact. And when done well, your photos start to feel like “you,” no watermark needed.