My Path to Colour Grading and Post-Production

My love for imagery began with photography; capturing stills, shaping light and refining details. But what truly fascinated me was the art of post-production. Every spare penny went into learning high-end retouching techniques; pushing my images beyond what the camera captured

That passion shifted when I collaborated with a cinematographer whose work opened my eyes to the world of colour grading. It was everything I loved about photography, only on a grander and more intricate scale. I thrive where art meets science; colour grading is the perfect blend of both

Leaving behind a business I spent twelve years building was a huge leap; but one I had to take for a calling I could no longer ignore. Since then, I’ve dedicated myself fully to the craft of colour

With a background in photography and hands-on experience as a second camera and lighting assistant, I understand the language of cinematography; how light is shaped, the technicalities of cameras and lenses, and the challenges faced on set. My goal as a post-production colourist is to honour the cinematographer’s intent; refining the image without overpowering it and offering creativity and insight when the moment calls for it

To build a deep technical foundation, I sought mentorship from one of the leading colour scientists in the world; meeting fortnightly for two years and studying intensely between sessions. This gave me a strong understanding of colour management, VFX pipelines and complex workflows used across high-end productions

Over the past three years I’ve worked closely with the talented team at OkayStudio; contributing to award-winning films, high-end commercials and technically ambitious projects alongside leading editors, VFX artists and colourists

My guiding principle is simple; shape the grade in harmony with the cinematographer’s vision and let simplicity lead. Collaboration is my greatest strength; I believe great work happens when creative minds align

With every project, I bring a fresh perspective, a commitment to excellence and a belief that the best colour grading is both intentional and invisible; elevating the image without ever overpowering it

A black-and-white portrait of Iain Pennington; a film colourist based in Edinburgh, Scotland, available globally
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