Photoshop® CS3 Extended Video and 3D Bible

Chapter 15. Correcting the Color and Tone of Video Layers

IN THIS CHAPTER

• Deciding on a method for color correction

• Changing the color and tone of a video

• Using a fill or adjustment layer to create special effects

Color correction can enhance almost any photo. Videos are usually more susceptible to environmental lighting problems that need correction. You can color correct a video using the options in the Image menu, or you can add a fill or adjustment layer over your video layer. There are so many color-correction techniques in Photoshop that it's sometimes hard to choose which one will work best for your specific document. After reading this chapter, you'll understand the color-correction techniques a little better and you'll understand the advantages and disadvantages of the different methods you can use when you add fill or adjustment layers to your video.

Choosing a Method for Color Correction

When it comes to color correcting a video layer, you can use the Image menu to change the video frame by frame, or you can create an adjustment layer using the Create a New Fill or Adjustment Layer button in the Layers palette that affects the entire video layer. Unless you are creating a special effect or animating a color correction, you'll want to skip the tedious process of frame-by-frame color correction. On the other hand, color corrections are very individual to the image that you are working with. They are different than filters in this respect. You can sharpen a video file arbitrarily ...