How do I apply a LUT to travel footage for better color grading?

[MarkHC]

So I’ve been trying to get better at color grading my travel clips, and I keep hearing about this thing called a color lookup table. I downloaded a free one that was supposed to give a nice cinematic teal and orange look, but when I apply it, everything just feels kind of flat and weird, not at all like the examples. I’m not sure if I’m applying it wrong, or if my footage just isn’t shot right for it to work.

[RobertQM]

Color lookup table is not magic and it only reshapes colors after you set a base grade. If the footage looks flat after applying a color lookup table make sure you grade first and pick a LUT that matches your color space such as Rec 709. If you shot in a flat profile you may need a LUT built for that profile or you may need to pull some contrast and lift shadows before applying the LUT.

[PaulC]

That teal orange look often assumes you have decent contrast and skin tones to anchor it. If your travel clips are shot in bright sun with flat light the LUT can feel off even if the colors shift you want. Try a gentler grade first and then reapply the LUT while watching the skin and midtones.

[JamesB]

Could be the LUT was designed for a different camera or gamma curve. If your footage has a different profile the result can be strange. Look for a LUT that matches your camera or try expanding the lift and gamma after applying it to bring back texture.

[Ryan.D]

Free LUTs can be hit or miss and some are not ready for real world footage. The vibe may be chasing a look that your clip cannot support. You might try making your own slight grade instead of relying on the free color lookup table and compare the result.

[LunaA]

One practical move is to keep an eye on the waveform and vectorscope while testing the look. Push the LUT a bit but pull back on contrast and saturation if skin tones go off. Small adjustments after the color lookup table can save the shot.

[PaulC]

Maybe the whole idea of one single look is the problem. Color is context and a travel sequence with changing light may need a flexible approach that shifts as you edit. Reframe the goal from a fixed teal and orange to a storytelling mood that travels with each scene.

[ThomasR]

Another angle you could try is testing different base corrections before a color lookup table. Think about the scene in mind and see if warmer tones help with your lighting and skin tones before applying the color lookup table. If not try another LUT that better suits your footage.