Color correction applied to specific isolated portions of an image rather than the entire frame – uses power windows, qualifiers, and masks to target particular colors, luminance ranges, or shapes for adjustment, enabling precise creative control over individual elements within a shot.
What is Secondary Grade?
Secondary Grade refers to selective color corrections applied only to isolated areas of an image. Unlike primary correction, which affects the entire image, secondary grades allow for precise adjustments to individual elements.
Basic Principle
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Definition | Isolated Correction |
| Goal | Specific Areas |
| Contrast | vs. Primary (Global) |
| Control | Precise, Selective |
Primary vs. Secondary
| Aspect | Primary | Secondary |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Entire Image | Isolated Areas |
| Timing | First | After Primary |
| Complexity | Simpler | More Involved |
| Time | Fast | Variable |
Isolation Methods
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Qualifier | Color/Luma Selection |
| Power Window | Geometric Shape |
| Mask | Rotoscope/Shape |
| Combination | Multiple Methods |
Qualifier
| Type | Isolates |
|---|---|
| Hue | Color Tone |
| Saturation | Saturation |
| Luminance | Brightness |
| 3D | Combination |
Power Windows
| Shape | Application |
|---|---|
| Circle/Oval | Faces, Objects |
| Rectangle | Screens, Windows |
| Polygon | Complex Shapes |
| Gradient | Skies, Vignettes |
Typical Applications
| Adjustment | Example |
|---|---|
| Skin Tone | Optimize Skin Tones |
| Sky | Intensify Sky |
| Eyes | Brighten/Color |
| Background | Subdue Background |
Skin Tone Correction
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Qualify | Isolate Skin |
| Refine | Refine Mask |
| Adjust | Adjust Tone/Saturation |
| Check | Verify Naturalness |
Window Tracking
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Auto-Track | Software-Based |
| Manual | Keyframe Animation |
| 3D Tracker | Perspective |
| Combination | Hybrid |
Vignette
| Type | Effect |
|---|---|
| Subtle | Edge Shadowing |
| Strong | Focus Guidance |
| Shaped | Adapted to Subject |
| Animated | Moving |
Spill Suppression
| Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Green Spill | From Greenscreen |
| Color Cast | Unwanted Color Reflection |
| Secondary | Neutralize Color |
| Isolation | Affected Areas |
Layer Structure
| Layer | Function |
|---|---|
| Primary | Base Correction |
| Secondary 1 | First Isolation |
| Secondary 2 | Additional Areas |
| Creative | Look/Style |
Software Tools
| Software | Secondary Tools |
|---|---|
| DaVinci Resolve | Qualifier, Windows |
| Baselight | Shapes, Keys |
| Lustre | Secondary Controls |
| Premiere | Masks, Keys |
Best Practices
| Practice | Reason |
|---|---|
| Subtle | Naturalness |
| Primary First | Solid Foundation |
| Check Edges | No Artifacts |
| Motion Blur | For Movement |
Edge Management
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Hard Edges | Increase Softness |
| Chatter | Refine Tracking |
| Fringe | Adjust Qualifier |
| Spill | Edge Correction |
Time Investment
| Complexity | Duration |
|---|---|
| Simple | Minutes |
| Medium | 15-30 Min |
| Complex | Hours |
| VFX Level | Days |
Workflow
| Phase | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1. Analysis | Identify Problem Areas |
| 2. Isolate | Select Area |
| 3. Adjust | Apply Correction |
| 4. Verify | Confirm Result |
Today
Secondary corrections are indispensable for professional color grading. Modern tools with GPU-accelerated tracking and precise qualifiers enable adjustments that previously required extensive rotoscoping work. The balance between creative vision and natural appearance remains the art of the experienced colorist.