Color grading control adjusting the darkest tones (shadows) in an image.
Definition
Lift is the shadow control in the standard color grading model (Lift-Gamma-Gain). It primarily affects the darkest areas of the image, with diminishing effect towards the midtones.
Practical Application
Raising Lift: Brightening shadows, reduced contrast. Lowering Lift: Deeper black levels, increased contrast. Color Cast in Lift: Tinting shadows (e.g., Teal in Shadows for Teal & Orange look).
Technical Details
Lift operates on the lower part of the tonal curve. In the YRGB model, Lift can be adjusted for each channel separately. The strength of its effect decreases towards the midtones (soft rolloff).
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