How to Easily Make a Cinematic Color Grading in Photoshop

Photoshop Photo Effects

The cinematic look is no longer only for movies! Many designers and photographers use this color grading effect on their work to achieve a whole new look and grab user attention. There are many different ways to make a cinematic effect in Photoshop. Some methods make use of solid color fill layers (with some blending modes changed and adjusted), while others may use the Camera RAW filter with lots of adjustments. But the one I will show you here is easy to make. You can use it over any image you want, it only requires 1 single adjustment layer, and can be made in less than 2 minutes.

Step 1

Open your image in Photoshop.

Step 2

Go to Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Selective Color.

Step 3

In the Properties panel check the Absolute option.

Step 4

Select "Neutrals" from the Colors dropdown menu and increase the Cyan value to +10%.

Step 5

Next, decrease the Yellow to -10%.

Step 6

Now set the Black to +10%.

Step 7

Select "Reds" from the Colors dropdown menu and set the Cyan value to -20%.

Step 8

Select "Yellows" from the Colors dropdown menu and set the Cyan value to -30%.

Step 9

To finish the cinematic color grading, set the Magenta value to +10%.

A Final Tip

You may adjust the skin tone of your subject from the Reds and Yellows Color options by adjusting the Cyan and Magenta values until you are satisfied with the end result.