How to Build a Color Grading Workflow (From iPhone to Final Export)

Color grading is one of the steps that can help transform ordinary footage into cinematic storytelling. Yet, many creators struggle with washed-out colors or inconsistent looks simply because their workflow lacks structure.

This guide walks you through a complete, professional color grading workflow for iPhone Apple Log footage, from capture to export, adaptable to any editing app or software.

 

1. Why a Workflow Matters

Without a consistent grading pipeline, every video you make will look slightly different. A clear workflow ensures:

• consistent color across projects
• maximum dynamic range preservation
• professional, repeatable results

Think of it as your creative assembly line, one that delivers polished visuals every single time.

 

2. Step 1: Capture in Apple Log

Everything begins at the capture stage. Shooting in Apple Log (or Apple Log 2) gives you the widest dynamic range and maximum flexibility in post.

Tips for shooting in Apple Log:

• Lock your white balance and exposure and avoid auto settings.
• Keep ISO as low as possible for cleaner shadows.
• Use Blackmagic Camera or Final Cut Camera 2.0 to monitor exposure with waveforms or false color.

 

3. Step 2: Organize and Prepare Your Footage

Once your clips are captured, organization saves you hours later:

• Create folders for “Footage,” “LUTs,” “Exports.”
• Name clips by date or scene.
• Make sure your editing app correctly identifies Apple Log color space (Rec.2020, PQ/HLG off).

If your editor doesn’t auto-detect Log footage, manually tag or interpret clips as Apple Log gamma before grading.

 

4. Step 3: Normalize the Log Footage

Apple Log footage looks intentionally flat, it’s your digital “negative.”

Before any creative grading, you need to normalize it to Rec.709 or another display color space. This step restores natural contrast and saturation while preserving highlight detail.

There are two main approaches to normalization:

1. The Traditional Workflow
   • Use a Color Space Transform (CST) or a professional conversion LUT to convert Apple Log → Rec.709.
   • After that, continue with manual corrections or apply creative LUTs to shape the look.
   • This is ideal if you prefer full control over each stage of grading.
     
     
2. The Integrated Workflow (Faster and Simpler)

   • Apply one of our Absoluts LUTs. For example:

     • iRED Mode LUT pack
     • Kodak Vision 3 inspired LUT
     • Fujifilm 3513 inspired LUT

   • These LUTs are designed specifically for Apple Log/Apple Log 2 footage, performing both the technical conversion to Rec.709 and applying a creative, film-inspired look in a single step.

This dual-purpose design makes grading faster and more consistent, especially for creators working across mobile and desktop workflows.

 

5. Step 4: Apply the Creative Grade

Once your footage is normalized, it’s time to shape the final aesthetic.

How you proceed depends on which workflow you used earlier:

• If you normalized with CST or a simple conversion LUT:

  Continue by grading manually: adjust exposure, contrast, balance, and apply a creative LUT or PowerGrade to define the look.

• If you used an Absoluts LUT:

  You already have a perfectly balanced Rec.709 image with a cinematic look baked in. You can still fine-tune shadows, highlights, or saturation for personal taste, but your base look is ready to export.

This flexible approach means Absoluts LUTs can work as your all-in-one grading solution or as a foundation for advanced colorists who want to refine further in post.

 

6. Step 5: Refine – Skin, Texture, and Detail

This is where you polish the grade and make it feel cinematic.

• Use selective adjustments for skin tones, keep them natural and luminous.
• Add soft contrast and tweak midtone details.
• Introduce texture with film grain overlays, such as the Film Grain Pro Overlays.

Fine-tuning these small details makes your footage feel less digital and more organic.

 

7. Step 6: Export Correctly

Once the look is set, exporting properly ensures your grade stays accurate across devices.

Recommended export settings:

• Format: MP4 (H.264 or H.265) for online delivery, or ProRes 422 HQ for master files.
• Resolution: Match project (usually 4K UHD).
• Color Space: Rec.709
• Bitrate: 30–50 Mbps minimum for maintaining detail.

For a full export breakdown, check our guide: Export Settings for iPhone Videos in DaVinci: The Ultimate Guide.

 

8. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying a creative LUT before normalization.
• Overusing contrast or saturation.
• Mixing Rec.709 and HDR footage in the same timeline.
• Ignoring skin tone balance.
• Exporting with default “auto color space”, always set it manually.

 

9. Get the Look

Ready to build a reliable, cinematic workflow for every project?

Explore Absoluts tools designed for Apple Log footage:

• Apple Log LUTs
• iCine Master Bundle – all LUTs + PowerGrades + overlays in one pack
• Filmic Craft PowerGrade
• Skintone Craft PowerGrade

 

Final Thoughts

A well-built color grading workflow isn’t just technical, it’s the bridge between your creative vision and the viewer’s emotion.

By shooting in Apple Log, normalizing correctly, applying consistent LUTs and exporting with precision, you’ll develop a repeatable cinematic pipeline that delivers stunning results project after project.