Color Grading: The Art of Emotion in Visual Storytelling with Midjourney
- 10 minutes read - 2011 words
Table of Contents
Color grading is a post-production technique that involves adjusting the color and tone of an image to create a specific mood or atmosphere. It’s a powerful tool that can be used to enhance the emotional impact of a scene, guide the viewer’s attention, and even tell a story without words. Think of the iconic orange and blue color palettes in films like ‘The Matrix’ or the warm, inviting tones of a cozy restaurant scene. These are all examples of how color grading can be used to create a specific visual style and evoke certain emotions in the viewer. In this blog post, we’ll delve deeper into the world of color grading, exploring its history, techniques, and impact on visual storytelling.
Created with: midjourney
A Warrior’s Silhouette Against the Fiery Sunset
A lone warrior stands on a hilltop, their form a stark silhouette against the breathtaking backdrop of a fiery sunset. Armed with sword and shield, they face an unknown future, their stance filled with both determination and hope. This evocative image captures the essence of epic drama, leaving the viewer to ponder the warrior’s journey and the battles yet to come.
Prompt
Warm, saturated colors with a golden glow, emphasizing the warrior’s silhouette against the sunset: Epic, hopeful ; A lone warrior; wide shot; Heroism; a desolate battlefield with a setting sun; cinematic
Characteristic
Shot : A lone warrior stands on a hilltop at sunset, facing away from the viewer. The sun is setting behind him, casting a warm glow on the clouds and the mountains in the distance.
Aesthetic Score : 0.7
Mode : epic, melancholic, heroic
Quality
Entropy : 6.43
Noise : 78
Prompt Clip Score : 0.35
AI Evaluation
Likelihood of AI : 0.90
Image errors : The image has a slightly blurry appearance, particularly in the foreground. There is also some aliasing in the shadows.
Lost in the Fog: A Journey into the Unknown
A group of adventurers navigate a dense, foggy jungle, their silhouettes shrouded in mystery. Lush foliage and the thick mist create a sense of suspense and intrigue, leaving you wondering what secrets lie hidden within.
Prompt
Deep greens and blues with high contrast, creating a sense of depth and mystery: Mysterious, adventurous ; A group of explorers navigating a dense jungle; medium shot; Adventure; lush greenery and towering trees; cinematic
Characteristic
Shot : A group of people, silhouetted against a misty jungle background, walk through a dense jungle pathway, with lush green foliage and a sense of mystery surrounding the scene
Aesthetic Score : 0.7
Mode : mysterious, adventurous, eerie
Quality
Entropy : 6.73
Noise : 123
Prompt Clip Score : 0.32
AI Evaluation
Likelihood of AI : 0.80
Image errors : The image has some minor artifacts and blurring, particularly in the areas of high contrast, like the edges of the leaves. The mist effect might also look slightly artificial, but it’s a matter of style rather than a true error.
Neon Dreams: A Silhouette of Hope in a Futuristic City
A lone figure, bathed in the vibrant glow of neon lights, stands with arms outstretched, gazing up at the sprawling cityscape. This evocative image captures the essence of cyberpunk, blending futuristic technology with a sense of wonder and liberation. The dramatic pose and the city’s dazzling lights suggest a moment of discovery, a glimpse into a world of possibilities.
Prompt
Neon colors, high saturation, and a fast-paced, dynamic feel: Excitement, triumph ; A player’s avatar celebrating a victory in a virtual world; close-up; Gaming; a vibrant, futuristic cityscape; cinematic
Characteristic
Shot : A futuristic city scene with a person wearing a black, shiny suit and a helmet, arms raised in celebration, against a backdrop of neon lights.
Aesthetic Score : 0.7
Mode : futuristic, cyberpunk, vibrant
Quality
Entropy : 6.88
Noise : 89
Prompt Clip Score : 0.35
AI Evaluation
Likelihood of AI : 0.80
Image errors : The image shows some slight blurring and artifacts around the edges of the neon lights, suggesting it may have been generated using AI.
Urban Energy in Abstract Strokes
A vibrant cityscape bursts to life with bold colors and textured brushstrokes, capturing the dynamic energy of urban life in an abstract style. This captivating artwork evokes a sense of movement and depth, drawing you into the heart of the city.
Prompt
Bright, saturated colors with a slight warm tone, emphasizing the city’s energy and vibrancy: Energetic, vibrant ; A panoramic view of a bustling city skyline; wide shot; Tourism; towering skyscrapers and bustling streets; cinematic
Characteristic
Shot : A stylized cityscape with an emphasis on the buildings and a more abstract sky.
Aesthetic Score : 0.6
Mode : vibrant, urban, energetic
Quality
Entropy : 6.55
Noise : 112
Prompt Clip Score : 0.30
AI Evaluation
Likelihood of AI : 0.70
Image errors : The image has some artifacts and errors. There is some blurring and pixelation, and the colors are a bit oversaturated. Some of the details of the buildings are also not very well defined.
Silhouettes of Love at Sunset
A couple, silhouetted against a breathtaking sunset over a tranquil ocean, share a moment of intimacy on a small platform. The scene evokes a sense of romance, serenity, and mystery, capturing the beauty of love in a dramatic and evocative way.
Prompt
Soft, warm colors with a gentle gradient, creating a sense of peace and tranquility: Romantic, serene ; A couple gazing at a breathtaking sunset over a vast ocean; medium shot; Travel; a golden sunset reflecting on the water; cinematic
Characteristic
Shot : A couple silhouetted against a sunset on a calm body of water.
Aesthetic Score : 0.7
Mode : romantic, serene, peaceful
Quality
Entropy : 6.03
Noise : 89
Prompt Clip Score : 0.34
AI Evaluation
Likelihood of AI : 0.50
Image errors : The water is too smooth and the reflections are slightly unnatural.
Sun-Kissed Smiles and Laughter in a Field of Blooms
A heartwarming scene of a family enjoying a sunny day in a vibrant meadow. The adults radiate joy, while the children run and play, creating a picture of pure happiness and carefree fun.
Prompt
Warm, pastel colors with a soft focus, emphasizing the family’s happiness and connection: Joyful, heartwarming ; A family laughing and playing in a park; medium shot; Family; lush green grass, blooming flowers, and a bright blue sky; cinematic
Characteristic
Shot : A group of people, including adults and children, are playing in a grassy field with flowers. The scene is sunny and cheerful.
Aesthetic Score : 0.8
Mode : joyful, playful, lighthearted
Quality
Entropy : 6.16
Noise : 118
Prompt Clip Score : 0.38
AI Evaluation
Likelihood of AI : 0.90
Image errors : The image has some artifacts and errors, including noticeable brushstrokes and aliasing. The composition is a bit cluttered, making it difficult to focus on any particular subject.
Lost in the Majesty: Awe-Inspiring Mountaintop View
Two figures stand dwarfed by the majestic grandeur of a snow-capped mountain peak, shrouded in ethereal mist. The scene evokes a sense of serenity, mystery, and wonder, highlighting the humbling scale of nature.
Prompt
Cool, desaturated colors with a high contrast, emphasizing the figure’s smallness against the vast landscape: Inspiring, powerful ; A lone figure standing on a mountain peak; wide shot; Heroism; a dramatic mountain range with clouds swirling around; cinematic
Characteristic
Shot : Two figures stand on a snow-covered mountain peak, with a larger mountain range in the background. The sky is cloudy and overcast, with light filtering through the clouds.
Aesthetic Score : 0.8
Mode : dramatic, majestic, solitude
Quality
Entropy : 6.53
Noise : 108
Prompt Clip Score : 0.31
AI Evaluation
Likelihood of AI : 0.70
Image errors : The figures are slightly blurry and lack detail, suggesting potential over-sharpening or poor quality in the original source material.
Into the Green Glow: A Mysterious Journey Begins
Four figures, shrouded in shadow, venture towards a radiant green crystal deep within a dark cave. The crystal’s ethereal light casts an enchanting spell, promising adventure and secrets yet to be unveiled. Will they find what they seek, or will the darkness claim them?
Prompt
Dark, moody colors with a hint of blue and green, creating a sense of mystery and intrigue: Intriguing, suspenseful ; A group of friends exploring a hidden cave; medium shot; Adventure; dark, mysterious cave with glowing crystals; cinematic
Characteristic
Shot : Four figures are walking into a dark cave, a glowing green light is emanating from a crystal ahead, the ground is rocky and uneven
Aesthetic Score : 0.7
Mode : mysterious, adventurous, dark
Quality
Entropy : 6.17
Noise : 110
Prompt Clip Score : 0.35
AI Evaluation
Likelihood of AI : 0.90
Image errors : The image contains some visual artifacts, particularly in the background. The figures are also slightly pixelated.
Dragon’s Fury: A Warrior’s Last Stand
A breathtaking scene of epic proportions unfolds, showcasing a mighty dragon in a dynamic pose, its fiery breath engulfing a lone warrior who stands defiant against the impending doom. The image captures the raw power of the dragon and the vulnerability of the warrior, creating a dramatic and powerful mood.
Prompt
Rich, saturated colors with a high contrast, emphasizing the battle’s intensity and drama: Epic, intense ; A player’s avatar battling a giant monster in a fantasy world; close-up; Gaming; a dark, fantastical world with glowing magic effects; cinematic
Characteristic
Shot : A dramatic scene of a warrior battling a massive dragon in a fiery and chaotic environment
Aesthetic Score : 0.7
Mode : intense, epic, heroic
Quality
Entropy : 6.68
Noise : 106
Prompt Clip Score : 0.31
AI Evaluation
Likelihood of AI : 0.80
Image errors : There are some slight artifacts and blurring in the image, especially in the dragon’s scales and the background. The image also has a bit of a digital feel.
Cozy Cabin Dinner: A Family’s Warm Embrace
A family of four gathers around a table in a rustic wooden cabin, bathed in warm light. The intimate setting and cozy decor create a sense of closeness and togetherness, capturing the essence of family love and warmth.
Prompt
Warm, inviting colors with a soft focus, emphasizing the family’s togetherness and the cozy atmosphere: Warm, nostalgic ; A family enjoying a traditional meal in a cozy restaurant; medium shot; Family; warm, inviting restaurant with rustic decor; cinematic
Characteristic
Shot : A family is having dinner in a cozy wooden cabin. The warm lighting creates a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. They are all smiling and enjoying their meal.
Aesthetic Score : 0.7
Mode : cozy, warm, happy
Quality
Entropy : 6.62
Noise : 95
Prompt Clip Score : 0.36
AI Evaluation
Likelihood of AI : 0.20
Image errors : There are some minor artifacts in the image, such as the blurred background and the slightly grainy texture.
Conclusion
The results of the image analysis indicate that the generative AI model performed well in understanding the scene and camera position, but struggled with achieving the desired aesthetic. Here’s a breakdown:
- Camera Position: The model scored 0.35, which is considered below average. This suggests that the generated image didn’t accurately reflect the camera position described in the prompt.
- Shot Analysis: The model scored 0.54, which is considered average. This indicates that the model was able to understand the scene in the prompt to a reasonable degree, but there were some discrepancies between the prompt and the generated image.
- Aesthetic Analysis: The model scored 0.08, which is considered very good. This means that the generated image closely matched the expected aesthetic, despite the issues with camera position and shot analysis.
Overall, the model demonstrated a good understanding of the desired aesthetic, but struggled to accurately translate the camera position and scene details from the prompt into the generated image.
Sources:
- https://www.swiff.org/article/crafting-the-tone-and-style-of-a-film
- https://digital-photography-school.com/backlighting-in-photography/
- https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/what-is-chiaroscuro-definition-examples/
- https://infocusfilmschool.com/4-wildly-different-movie-styles-youll-explore-filmmaking-college/
- https://cinepunked.com/2022/09/23/a-quick-guide-to-visual-style/
- https://cinematography.com/index.php?/forums/topic/184-desaturation-techniques/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/Filmmakers/comments/1452afb/colour_grading_an_underrated_factor_in_the/
- https://digital-photography-school.com/rule-of-thirds/
- https://midjourney.com