Contrast and Pivot in 3 Levels of Difficulty | DaVinci Resolve

A detailed breakdown of the contrast and pivot controls inside DaVinci Resolve!
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Also, a big thanks to my friend Charissa for modeling: / theonlycharissa
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Table of Contents (Important topics are marked with !):
BEGINNER:
00:00 - Introduction
00:22 - The Contrast and Pivot Controls
00:46 - What is Contrast? (!)
01:40 - Understanding Pivot (!)
02:53 - Setting Pivot by Eye (!)
03:35 - Setting Pivot with Scopes
04:14 - Recap
INTERMEDIATE:
04:51 - Exploring Contrast in Detail
05:44 - Contrast Above 1 (!)
06:59 - Contrast Below 1 (!)
07:35 - Changing Contrast in Project Settings
08:14 - Pros of S-Curves (!)
08:56 - Cons of S-Curves (!)
09:32 - Pros of Linear Contrast (!)
11:05 - Cons of Linear Contrast (!)
11:17 - When to Use Linear vs S-Curves (!)
11:36 - Common Contrast Workflow
ADVANCED:
13:14 - Linear Contrast with Other Controls
13:34 - Gain and Offset (!)
14:50 - Lift and Gain
15:30 - Aggressive S-Curve Problem (!)
17:43 - Tonality Change with Pivot (!)
20:47 - Linear Contrast Tonality (!)
22:11 - Linear Contrast Workflow
22:46 - Outro

[@Scoober222]

I had a search and rescue team out for you, man. Please take your shoes off and stay a little longer this time.

[@ramanandh1261]

Where is he now bro?

[@edancohen3461]

No bragging, no yelling, no posturing, no selling - just quality content delivered in a professional way. Thank you!

[@Vorobiov_Evgeny]

No masks and qualifyers, no selling luts and courses. Real colorist speaking here

[@Jeka85]

Хах) Настоящие колористы работают, а не пилят ютуб уроки.

[@tomasgomez1906]

Whats wrong with masks and qualifiers? :(

[@ErrickJackson]

Wait, what's wrong with masks, qualifiers, or luts?

[@Vorobiov_Evgeny]

@@ErrickJackson they are way overused by a lot of youtubers

[@ConnerMainChannel]

@@ErrickJackson They're very useful and valid tools, but when someone can teach you something powerful/useful/new on the more basic tools that seem so innocent and simple, you know you're getting real information. Good color grading comes from a place of truly understanding what's going on with a digital image, and how to manipulate it from it's very roots to get the desired results. A lot of KZbinrs rely on very... I would almost call them "powerful surface level tools" (like masks and qualifiers) as these "magic bullets" to get certain looks or effects... and that's okay. But higher level professionals might be able to achieve the same effects more "naturally" with the most simple of color grading tools, only relying something like a qualifier if it's ACTUALLY necessary. You definitely want to pay extra close attention when those people have something to share. And as for LUTs, I don't think they're being inherently criticized at all here. I think the shade is being thrown at the people who self promote with things like LUT packs and paid color grading courses. I don't personally see such actions as inherently bad things, but at the same time... at a high level, professionals just make their own LUTs as needed for their own workflow. So if a KZbinr is trying to teach you about color grading at a fundamental and comprehensive level rather than just sell you a Cinematic LUT pack, you could say that demonstrates something rare and appreciable. A real interest in trying to give you the most powerful tools, rather than sell you a box of weak ones. Some color grading courses are probably great but, you gotta hand it to Avery for putting out everything he has so far as free content.

[@JosiahVaughan]

The return of the king

[@rufaiajala]

The king is DEFINITELY back! 🙌🏾🌟🙌🏾

[@konstantinbuglevskiy6969]

возвращение КОЛОРЯ )

[@AngelRuiz88]

El regreso del Rey!!

[@tempuraimages2363]

Every video on this channel should be commented on, both to encourage more uploads and for YT to show it more on searches.

[@vpr3i]

The amount of knowledge in this one video is just unbelievable. Thank you!

[@joenicklo]

the person who gave this a thumbs down still does their color grading in Adobe Premiere. ;)

[@that24fpsguy72]

Or using a lut and call it a day perhaps.

[@joenicklo]

@@that24fpsguy72 oooof.

[@ahmadfauzanperdana5703]

@@that24fpsguy72 Sadly, it was me 2 months back. Doing grading in premiere and using luts.

[@CalvinPowers]

As a noobie video editor, I have no hesitation in saying this is the best explanation of this topic I've ever seen. THANKS

[@danielchen1655]

Making youtube a better place, thank you for your service!

[@alexandredebellefeuille4671]

You're the best teacher I've ever had. Keep it up.

[@ShotByJuliusPee]

Stay longer Avery. I know You've got personal businesses and Life to attend to. But You've been a blessing to most of us bro. Thanks for all the knowledge shared.

[@ReNoMellow]

the level of pedagogy of this channel is incredible. Congrats sir and thank you

[@GabrielCiccariello]

Sir, this is one of the best tutorials I've seen in over 15 years working with photo retouching. Congratulations.

[@averypeck]

Thank you!

[@yinoveryang4246]

Yup.It' s actually the key information everyone needs to understand, People that don't understand these basic principles are all over KZbin, and its kind of tiresome

[@lulumink0]

The technical nuisances, finesse and analytical ability of you are off the charts. Best explanation of the technicality of DR on YT.

[@pooryazaree6854]

you are perfect man, The best KZbin video I've seen in the last five years.

[@glen-draketoolworks7186]

Enjoy your coffee. This video has proven invaluable to me.

[@averypeck]

Thank you so much! It's greatly appreciated! I'm glad the video has been so helpful for you.

[@DehinorVargas]

Liked, very detailed video, specifically with pivot explanation

[@antoniomarchante457]

The fact that you are losing contrast in certain areas by using the S curve contrast made me understand a lot of things about past grades I did. This video was super helpful , thank you so much! Your content is great.

[@DarrenMostyn]

Very good insight Avery. Love the beginners, intermediate and Advanced approach on one theme. All the best, Darren.

[@averypeck]

Thanks Darren!

[@KennyYatesTV]

Avery just "wax on, wax off"d us when we got to the Gain and Offset portion. Like all the stuff ahead of that point I found myself saying, yeah, but why? Then we get to Gain and Offset and I was like....AHHHHH. So helpful in understanding the nuances of contrast! Another great video. Wish you were making more!

[@RusskoVTw]

The first channel in my life I subscribed instantly after the first video cause it was more usefull than 100 from others

[@gaarax0x]

Yesssss Avery Peck... the best Davinci Resolve tutorial on KZbin is back..So happy to see you again man. 😀

[@joenicklo]

He's dropping value bombs that are changing our lives and blowing us away with the secret sauce.

[@averypeck]

Thanks man! Feels good to be back :)

[@musicelect]

@@joenicklo lol. I see what you did there

[@joenicklo]

@@musicelect ;)

[@musicelect]

@@joenicklo I smashed the like button

[@cedricschanze]

THIS CHANNEL IS PURE GOLD! THANKS AVERY!

[@filipeko1991]

man amazing last bit opened my mind with why operation on exposure are so crucial to do them linear before s curve

[@PaulChristianMedina]

We need more videos from you man, your tutorials are so straightforward and informative that I’m actually learning so many things from one video of yours compared to the 100+ videos I’ve watch on other channels combined. You’re doing great my man 👍🏽

[@petermclennan6781]

Wow. Clarity, concision and competence - all in the same package. Superb in all respects, Avery. Thank you!

[@jackssketchbook]

Every time you upload my images get better, thanks dude!

[@DemetriosLevi]

I love high contrasted looks and never understood why I would be loosing so much detail while other films didn't. Just when I when I think I can't be mind blown you prove me wrong again. I literally clapped after I finished this. Be back sooner!

[@Cooper349]

Also make sure your black and white points are properly set as a starting point when grading raw footage. People often forget that.

[@YGharbi]

We need more videos from you ! You re Better thann Qazi ;)

[@bebeboom2081]

Without batting an eyelash, I would immediately buy your film coloring program if it drops. I learn so much from your videos. You take time to explain functions and terms. Thank you for creating these videos!

[@heesang1989]

This is the best and easy explanation of Contrast and Pivot in the world :)))) Finally I can understand them, Thank you daddy

[@loannesmarc5281]

Welcome back bro. Do not be pressure with the people who wants more content from you. Things that are great needs more time to think so I completely understand that you post videos not every week or not every month. Take your time. You always make us proud. ps. This is my first time to be cheesy with a youtuber.

[@averypeck]

I really appreciate it! You're right that these videos take time, but I've made it a hard goal to produce more this year. I'd love to make this a more regular thing.

[@Cooper349]

Great explanation. I also often notice that people start grading raw footage without setting their whites and blacks properly before adding contrast. But great video on how to manage contrast.

[@cinema8564]

Love the three levels of difficulty. Frankly, there are so many "Getting Started," "Crash Course," "All You Need to Know," etc., videos which, for some of us folks, are of little value. Go deep! And hearing the thought process behind one's decision making is key after one already knows the mechanics. Keep it up! Mike

[@averypeck]

Thanks Mike! I agree, I went with this format after being frustrated with having to choose a target audience for each video. I figured why not reach cover the full concept? Glad you liked this one!

[@juanpablomartinez4140]

DUDEE this was so detailed. I finally understand curves! this is masterclass level. thanks pal

[@nicostrappazon]

You don't find this kind of acutely refined information very often on the internet. I am always delighted to see another one of your videos!!

[@moecreations1]

One of the best video on youtube for sure!. Hope you will get well soon. Take your time to rest and recover!

[@averypeck]

Thank you! I'm feeling much better and hope to have a new video out soon :)

[@JCUTMoto]

Youre back!

[@elissitdesign]

You haven’t put out enough content recently. It’s seriously great! I love to see how others work in Resolve. You’re explaining the core tools and how you use them in chain. That’s valuable. As a professional myself I cringe at most tuts on YT covering DiVinci “Buy my cinematic LUTs!”

[@richardkrall4409]

I finally learned the difference between linear adjustment and a curve adjustment and why it's important to KNOW the difference. Thanks! Excellent delivery!

[@cinema8564]

Glad you're back!!! Love the more detailed dives into these contrast controls. Of course we knew that the S-curve setting was an option but I, for one, never explored it and certainly never thought it through. You have very helpfully shown how that works and the ways it might be applied. More!!! Thanks, Mike

[@ItalloXavier]

Missing your content bro, you rock !!!

[@stradesecondarie]

Happy to see another video in this channel!

[@abelmalonzo9177]

This channel deserve more subs.. Your tutorial is on point.. Im midget on color grading now because of this

[@andresacunaroldan]

Masterclass! Thanks Avery

[@thefilthyswede]

Damn dude you're voice is changing haha! So much deeper. Great vid, thanks!

[@SamuelJacobPauling]

haha hey that's my friend Charissa!

[@JimRobinson-colors]

Good one Avery, Everything one would want to know about contrast. I do think that when showing the contrast matching that the still over the greyscale down the side would make it more obvious to people that may have not followed you matching the skin tone. The other part that may have been brought into this discussion is how contrast affects the saturation when it is color video. But great point in respecting the photography and lighting. I usually balance with printer lights with that in mind. Saw your update for a new video and thought it was the LUT science that we discussed the other day. I found this one to be really accurate information and really interesting seeing it done with all the alternatives and scopes and greyscales. Really good - keep them coming.

[@averypeck]

Thanks Jim! Good points about matching exposure and the effects on saturation. It's always a bit of a hard call on what to include and what to leave out for clarity's sake. I'm a big fan of printer lights as well, though I often reach for the offset wheel directly. I think the LUT video will be next :) I'm excited to tackle that one!

[@josip1382]

Finally! Welcome back! :) Hope to see more from you! :) Great stuff!

[@ConnerMainChannel]

Oh SWEET, I clicked off another video just seeing this thumbnail, I didn't even catch that it was a brand new tutorial from you specifically! I literally just jumped at the chance to know more about those controls, because contrast is EVERYTHING.

[@ralvis20]

Glad to see you back sir!

[@olodum111]

Your DR tutorials are the “bomb”!! Very well done and detailed in everyday language. Can you squeeze out a few more? Anything on DR 17 would be awesome!!

[@chris5355]

Welcome back! Excellent tutorial video as always, thanks.

[@user-ml2iq7wj1o]

damn dude, your videos are a wonderful balance between academic/theory and utility/practice. Every grade is unique, so someone just telling me how (and not WHY) is often not broadly generalizable. The principles behind a particular concept however DO transcend all projects. and you do a wonderful job illustrating AND connecting them to an example. Particularly, the style by which you use simplified image to emphasize geometric impact on the wave form with the behavior on color properties and then tie that into full, complex image wave form is just awesome. much appreciated.

[@averypeck]

Thank you so much!

[@adamwerton]

Now I'm getting that Steve yedlin vibe from your video now.

[@averypeck]

Lol, I'm creating a big film emulation series as well, so be prepared :)

[@WithTheGrain527]

brilliant explanation. Anyone else think Avery sounds like Neo from The Matrix?

[@mrkimonojr9400]

OOOMMMMGGG its Avery folks he is backkkk!!! DUDE, BRO, STAY DONT GO AWAY!!!!

[@filmreif3941]

He's back!! 🚀✨

[@MonzotoOfficialChannel]

Yep Man happy to see you back. Great info as always

[@TiagoFlores]

I need the Avery Peck color grading course! Your videos are amazing, bro! Cheers from Brazil!

[@CodyScott]

He is back!

[@MikeErickson]

Now I know what that pivot point does! Great tutorial man. I really appreciate the knowledge share.

[@semmussaev]

I'm so glad to see your videos, Avery! You are back finaly!

[@epiczebra8476]

Man!!! Glad you are back 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@Veptis]

My personal way is to use the Luma curves and turn on editable splines. Just drag the low and high point with the hands. No additional points on the curves. Using soft high and low soft if needed to avoid clipping. You can set the waveform scope to decimal or % as well to get a direct relationship. Furthermore use the colour picker in 10bit to get actual values. But you don't get luma mix(in Fusion you do). Also a thought: the shadows and highlights controls work differently then lift and gain. But they work even a little more different in the raw tab. Contrast in the raw tab is always linear aswell - so you can use linear and s curve at once...

[@barrymurphy5548]

Absolutely brilliant as always Avery !!

[@orfanidis071]

Very informative indeed! And not only for resolve but for digital coloring in general. I think this info might even help me with my photography editing in Photoshop. Kudos to you!

[@shane_taylor]

Wow. Who knew there was so much to the lowly Contrast control. You've definitely informed me, and made me a better colorist. Thanks! Excellent video all around.

[@yveslacroixproductions]

Oh my !!! You're alive 😆 🙏

[@victorfilm_]

Welcome back Avery! You have a way of explaining concepts so well. You should put together your own colour grading course. I’d be the first in line to sign up! 😉👍

[@shagral_]

Perfect as always!

[@babbar7618]

wow you’re back 👏👏✊✊

[@SupraheadStudio]

Nice to see you again !

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

Hey Avery!!! Love the videos!

[@TubeSilva]

I got so excited when I saw the notification that you posted a new video. Please keep them coming!

[@yashmistri17]

Man, love the information you are sharing. Loved that you came back.

[@GuenniKurti]

So great to have you back! Every one of your videos helps me to take my skills to the next level. I hope we'll see some more of your tutorials in the future!

[@zayninseoul]

Quality content as usual!

[@SimoBenziane]

Love it, thnk you for uploading

[@djfull4442]

I see a contrast in my skills, between before watching this video and after.

[@dimitrilayer]

Great detailed tutorial as always! Thank you!

[@rodrigo8269]

Amazing video man! Plz keep them coming!

[@stoodeeo]

Another great content. Good to see you posting again. Keep up the great work, mate.

[@ExigentFilms]

WELCOME BACK!

[@viniciuscursino2121]

Thank you King, such a bump

[@truemetsujin]

Yes ! Very good content as usual. Thanks a lot for your work.

[@SmartPhotoVault]

Perfectly explained.

[@AriIsenberg]

This was fantastic! Super clearly explained and really well done. Looking forward to more videos!

[@hari6015]

Finally ur Back man tq ❤️

[@CptCurk]

That's a great tips ! And a lot to learn :)

[@MountUpMedia]

So happy you are back brother ! Learn so much from you! Keep blessing us brother !

[@CPtheCreator]

Wow! This was SO INFORMATIVE! Way over my head! I’m going to watch this more than once! Thanks for sharing this!

[@FrancescoPaggiaro]

Very in depth video, thanks man

[@WassimJelassi]

welcome back!!

[@irregularMovementofarts]

Top Notch content. Thank you man

[@jacquelinelmiller]

Fantastic explanations and great info - thanks so much!

[@torbengreve]

Good job as always mate

[@GFMstudios]

Avery! Thank you for uploading, still watching, but all your vids have being great, no doubt this too.

[@szymonkraszewski1150]

Great video, very informative and well-executed - thanks for making it!

[@FalcoII]

This is explained so clearly! Excellent job!