How I learned to stop worrying and love the LUTs

As previously mentioned, it's only in the last few years I've actually been able to start editing like a REAL person, which in turn meant that I started to learn a little about EVERYTHING, but still wasn't sure what I didn't know, ya know?

This was and is my worry. There are times where I don't know what questions to ask, what videos to watch, what tutorials will be helpful for me... I just started watching whatever comes up as recommended after watching something I DID look up.

There were things I never knew I had access to before, like LUTs (Look Up Table). I didn't even know what that MEANT! I spend HOURS trying on different presets from download packages, trying a million different transitions between cuts... I lose a lot of time (and sleep) doing this for fun. 

When I was learning editing for video tape back in middle school, we had a board of dials and knobs and buttons for that and I think I had forgotten about it because it never occurred to me that I could use something like that NOW. I have been teaching myself with a keyboard and mouse for so long that it just wasn't on my radar AT ALL. Until I saw a YouTube video of a dude reviewing an editing board... WHAT THE WHAT. When I have the money, I'm getting me one of THOSE! 

Anyway, I was a little worried that using LUTs would look contrived or people would look at my pieces and be like, OH She used a PRESET. *scoff* Well... I do use presets and free downloads wherever I can get them and I try them ALL. It's so fun! Like trying on clothes (hey, we all like different things.)

So in short, I've discovered presets for LUTs that look good with what I can get on digital film with my 70D DSLR Canon Camera and I use them. A lot of it is just feelings - when I see this on the scene or video, how does it make me feel? Do I need more chaos or calm? More optimism or cynicism? What do I want people to interpret? It's fun, but also challenging. 

But this is why I stopped worrying about it so much. When you share your art, people will have no qualms telling you what they think about it! And that's cool. It might inspire you to change it up, or leave it with that intent. Live yo' life!!

Yeehaw!
- Z