Most creators jump straight to LUTs and wonder why their footage still looks off.

The problem isn't the LUT — it's your base correction.

Before you touch any creative grade, you need to nail three things:

• White balance — shoot a grey card or use the picker. Sounds basic, most people skip it.

• Exposure normalization — get your scopes right. Waveforms > histograms for video.

• Contrast ratio — set your blacks and whites before touching the midtones.

Once your base is solid, even a simple teal/orange split tone will look cinematic. Without it, the most expensive LUT in the world won't save you.

I built a full course breaking down my entire grading workflow — from shot matching to advanced power windows. If you're serious about leveling up your visuals, check it out.