10206181Digital Color
Course Information
Description
Explore the principles and practices of digital color management used throughout the video production workflow. Emphasis is placed on analyzing color theory, calibration, and consistency between devices from image capture through post-production to final output. Students evaluate and correct color issues caused by various lighting conditions, cameras, and displays. Exercises focus on developing a controlled color workflow and using professional color tools to achieve accurate, creative, and industry-standard results. 
Total Credits
2

Course Competencies
  1. Explain color theory and its application to digital imaging
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Quiz
    Scenario
    Criteria
    Identify color models (RGB, CMYK, HSL)
    Relate color models to digital video
    Define hue, saturation, luminance, and color temperature
    Explain how human perception affects color interpretation in imagery

  2. Manage color across devices
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill Demonstration
    Criteria
    Calibrate monitors, cameras, and output devices for consistent color
    Apply color profiles and LUTs to maintain accurate color reproduction
    Explore white balance and camera color settings

  3. Adjust for color problems/challenges in image capture
    Assessment Strategies
    Scenario
    Skill Demonstration
    Criteria
    Identify color problems/challenges in image capture
    Recognize the impact of various light sources (tungsten, LED, fluorescent, daylight)
    Adjust camera settings or lighting to correct color shifts
    Apply corrective techniques during capture to minimize post-production fixes

  4. Perform color correction and color grading in post-production
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill Demonstration
    Criteria
    Use color scopes (waveform, vectorscope, histogram) to analyze images
    Balance color and exposure across shots for consistency
    Apply creative color grading to establish visual mood and style
    Use professional software tools equivalent to Adobe Premiere and DaVinci Resolve

  5. Implement a complete color workflow from capture to delivery
    Assessment Strategies
    Project Documentation
    Portfolio
    Criteria
    Create a consistent color pipeline from recording to final export
    Match camera profiles and lighting environments for accurate color reproduction
    Output final projects in multiple delivery formats while maintaining color integrity
    Portfolio includes corrected and graded work

  6. Evaluate visual impact and color accuracy in finished projects
    Assessment Strategies
    Critique Session (Verbal)
    Portfolio Review Presentation
    Criteria
    Presentation is [10-15” in length]
    Presentation voice is loud enough for others to hear
    Presentation is organized logically

  7. Develop critical thinking skills
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product and/or Verbal
    Criteria
    Offer constructive critiques (feedback) of your own work
    Comment on aspects that are working well and things that can be improved
    Evaluate using guidelines specified by the instructor
    Make decisions about project quality