Colour Grading 101 for Science Video Creators

When you spend hours filming experiments, demonstrations, or sailing adventures, you want the final video to look as good as it feels in real life. The problem? Cameras don’t see colour quite the way our eyes do. That’s where colour grading comes in — the art (and a little science) of making your footage look right.

What Is Colour Grading?

Colour grading is the process of adjusting the colour and tone of your video after filming. It goes beyond simple corrections (fixing exposure or white balance) to give your footage a consistent style and mood. Think of it as tuning a musical instrument — the notes are all there, but grading makes them harmonious.

Why It Matters in Science Videos

1. Accuracy – When you’re showing a flame test, an indicator colour change, or a biology stain, viewers need to see the true colours. Mis-graded footage can mislead students.

2. Focus – Subtle grading helps the experiment pop against the background, guiding the viewer’s attention.

3. Mood – Even science benefits from atmosphere. Cooler tones suggest precision; warmer tones make a video feel more personal and inviting.

The Basics of Colour Grading

• White Balance – Start here. Make sure your whites look white, not yellow or blue.

• Contrast & Saturation – Boost just enough to give clarity, but avoid “radioactive liquids” unless that’s the actual experiment.

• Colour Wheels – These let you separately tweak shadows, midtones, and highlights. Perfect for balancing bright lab lights against darker backgrounds.

• LUTs (Look-Up Tables) – Pre-set grading profiles that give your video a consistent look across clips. You can even make your own for your channel style.

Science Examples

• A titration filmed under fluorescent lights often looks flat. A touch of grading can bring out the deep pink of phenolphthalein without oversaturating.

• A physics demo with sparks benefits from higher contrast and a cooler background to emphasise the light trails.

• Outdoor sailing footage on a cloudy Thames day? A gentle warm grade can turn “grey” into “atmospheric.”

Practical Tips for Beginners

1. Record in the highest quality your camera allows (flat/log profiles are best if available).

2. Don’t overdo it — students need clarity, not cinema drama.

3. Keep a consistent look across all your videos; it becomes part of your brand identity.

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Final Thought

Colour grading is part science, part art. Done well, it keeps your footage accurate and appealing, helping students focus on what matters: the experiment, the process, the story. It’s one more way to bring science alive on screen.