How to Shoot Like Drew Deltz: Mastering Cinematic Story-Driven Color Grading and Key Framing Techniques

Introduction

In the world of photography and videography, standing out is crucial. Drew Deltz has made a name for himself by mastering cinematic story-driven color grading, leveraging key

framing techniques, and using unique presets to create visually stunning and emotionally compelling content. This article will guide you through the steps to shoot like Drew Deltz,

from color grading to key framing, and how to use presets to set your work apart.

Cinematic Story-Driven Color Grading

Color grading is more than just adjusting colors; it's about telling a story through visuals. Here's how to achieve a cinematic look:

Shoot in RAW/LOG

Shooting in RAW or LOG format retains the most detail and gives you more flexibility in post-production. This flat image profile is easier to work with when color grading.

Color Correction

Start with color correction to ensure your footage looks natural and unprocessed. Adjust the color, contrast, and exposure to create a balanced base for further grading.

Primary and Secondary Color Grades

Primary Color Grade: Adjust the overall color of the image. This is your first step in grading.
Secondary Color Grade: Isolate specific parts of the image and adjust their colors individually. This allows for more precise control over the final look.

Using LUTs

Look-Up Tables (LUTs) are preset color profiles that can be applied to your footage to achieve a consistent look. They are particularly useful for maintaining skin tones and creating a

cohesive visual style across different scenes.

White Balance and Exposure

Always white balance your scenes before shooting to avoid inconsistent color temperatures. Shoot slightly underexposed to retain highlight details, as overexposed footage is often irretrievable.

Noise Correction

Avoid unwanted noise by shooting in good lighting at a lower ISO. Use post-production software to clean up any noise that does appear.

Software and Hardware

Popular color grading software includes DaVinci Resolve, Blender, and Premiere Pro. Ensure your monitor can display a wide color gamut with good color accuracy for the best results.

Leveraging Proven Photography and Videography Key Framing Techniques

Key framing is essential for creating smooth transitions and dynamic movements in your videos. Here’s how to master it:

Understanding Key Frames

Key frames are markers that define the start and end points of any transition. They are used to animate properties such as position, scale, opacity, and color.

Setting Up Key Frames

Choose Your Software: Programs like Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects are excellent for key framing.
Select the Property to Animate: This could be position, scale, rotation, or any other property.
Add Key Frames: Place key frames at the beginning and end of the desired transition.
Adjust the Values: Change the property values at each key frame to create the desired effect.

Smooth Transitions

Use easing functions to make transitions smoother. Easing in and out can make movements appear more natural and less mechanical.

Layering Key Frames

Layer multiple key frames to animate different properties simultaneously. This can add complexity and depth to your animations.

Using Presets to Set Your Work Apart

Presets are pre-configured settings that can be applied to your photos and videos to achieve a specific look quickly. Drew Deltz’s presets, such as the Arctic Adventure Preset Pack,

are designed to transform flat images into works of art with just one click.

Benefits of Using Presets

Speed: Presets significantly reduce editing time.
Consistency: They help maintain a consistent visual style across multiple images or videos.
Quality: High-quality presets ensure that your edits look professional and polished.

Choosing the Right Presets

Select presets that align with your creative vision. Drew Deltz offers a range of presets, from moody teals to warm orange tones, allowing you to find the perfect match for your project.

Customizing Presets

While presets provide a great starting point, don’t be afraid to tweak them to better suit your specific needs. Adjusting parameters like exposure, contrast, and saturation can help fine-tune the final look.

Sharing Photos That Tell Stories

A great photo does more than capture a moment; it tells a story. Here’s how to create images that evoke a sense of adventure and drama:

Composition

Rule of Thirds: Divide your frame into thirds and place your subject along these lines to create a balanced composition.
Leading Lines: Use natural lines to guide the viewer’s eye through the image.
Framing: Frame your subject using elements within the scene to add depth and context.

Lighting

Golden Hour: Shoot during the golden hour (just after sunrise or before sunset) for soft, warm lighting.
Backlighting: Use backlighting to create silhouettes and add drama to your photos.

Storytelling Elements

Subjects: Choose subjects that convey emotion and action.
Background: Use the background to add context and enhance the story.
Details: Focus on small details that add depth to the narrative.

Incorporating Drama for a Balanced Yin and Yang Approach

Drama in photography can create a sense of tension and balance, much like the yin and yang concept. Here’s how to incorporate it:

Contrast

Light and Shadow: Use high contrast between light and shadow to create dramatic effects.
Color Contrast: Pair complementary colors to make your subject stand out.

Emotion

Expressions: Capture genuine emotions to connect with the viewer.
Action: Freeze moments of action to add excitement and energy.

Post-Processing

Vignetting: Add a vignette to draw attention to the center of the image.
Selective Color: Desaturate parts of the image to highlight the subject.

Conclusion

Shooting like Drew Deltz involves mastering cinematic story-driven color grading, leveraging key framing techniques, and using unique presets to create visually stunning and

emotionally compelling content. By following these tips, you can develop a unique style that sets your work apart and tells captivating stories.