Cinematic color grading using Curves, Color Lookup tables, and split-toning for professional photography and film-still aesthetics.

Step 1: Start with Corrected Image

Ensure basic exposure is correct with Levels before creative grading.

Step 2: Teal and Orange Look

Add Curves: pull down Red in shadows, boost Blue in shadows for teal. Boost Red in highlights for warmth.

Step 3: Color Lookup Table

Add Color Lookup adjustment. Try "3DLUT: FilmStock" at 40% opacity for cinematic base.

Step 4: Split Toning

Highlights: warm yellow (#ffd080). Shadows: cool blue (#1a3050). Balance toward highlights.

Step 5: Selective Saturation

Hue/Saturation: boost Blues +15, reduce Cyans -10 for sky control.

Step 6: Vignette Grade

Darken edges with Curves mask painted at corners. Opacity 25%.

Step 7: Final Comparison

Save graded version. Toggle all adjustment layers to show before/after to client.

That's it! You've completed this tutorial. Experiment with the techniques and share your results with the Designstacks community.