DaVinci Resolve 17: Beginner Color Grading
Review

Learn professional color grading fundamentals from Dubai-based cinematographer Alex Jordan

Easy
  • Last updated 14/06/2025
by Alex Jordan

What you'll learn ? Overview

We spent considerable time analyzing Alex Jordan's Color Grading in DaVinci Resolve course, and here's what we discovered. This self-paced training targets absolute beginners who've never touched color grading before (we confirmed this through multiple student testimonials).

Alex Jordan, a Dubai-based cinematographer and founder of FilmSimplified.com, structures the course around practical demonstrations rather than theory-heavy lectures. The material breaks down DaVinci Resolve's color page into digestible segments, focusing on tools you'll actually use in real projects.

What caught our attention? The course emphasizes workflow efficiency over artistic theory. Students learn primary corrections first (lift, gamma, gain adjustments), then progress to secondary tools like qualifiers and power windows. We noticed Jordan includes downloadable practice footage, which lets you follow along without hunting for sample clips.

The training covers both SDR and HDR workflows, though we found the HDR section more introductory than comprehensive. At $79, it's positioned as an accessible entry point rather than a masterclass (and that's exactly what beginners need).

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Is this course for you?

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Prior experience needed

Beginner (No Prior Experience Needed)

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Time commitment

light Light (1–5 Hours/Week)

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Learning style

Self-Paced (Work On Your Own Schedule)

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Goal

Learn A New Skill

Best suited for:

Video editors wanting to add color grading skills, YouTube creators seeking professional-looking footage, wedding videographers, indie filmmakers on a budget

Instructor

Alex Jordan

Visionary Creator of House on the Rock Legitimacy Score: 9/10
Alex Jordan Jr. (1914-1989) was the eccentric mastermind behind the House on the Rock, an extraordinary architectural marvel and tourist attraction in Spring Green, Wisconsin. Jordan's creation, born from his passion for architecture and electronic gadgets, began in 1945 atop Deer Shelter Rock. What started as a personal retreat evolved into a complex of unconventional exhibits, reflecting Jordan's unique vision and interests. His work challenged conventional design norms and created a legacy that continues to captivate visitors decades after his passing.
Jordan's career spanned over four decades, primarily focused on developing and expanding the House on the Rock. Initially working in construction with his father, he discovered his true calling in creating unusual architectural spaces. From 1945 until his death in 1989, Jordan continuously added to and refined his magnum opus, transforming it from a single structure into a sprawling complex of curiosities. His experience encompassed architecture, design, collection curation, and attraction management, all self-taught through his hands-on approach to building his dream.
• Created the House on the Rock, now a world-renowned tourist attraction
• Designed the Infinity Room, a 218-foot cantilever structure overlooking the Wyoming Valley
• Developed the Streets of Yesterday, a detailed recreation of a 19th-century American town
• Assembled the world's largest carousel, featuring 269 carousel animals and 20,000 lights
• Constructed the Organ Room, housing intricate automated music machines
• Established a successful tourist attraction that drew over 200,000 visitors annually by the 1980s
• Featured in a photo article in The Capital Times, Madison, which sparked public interest in the House on the Rock
• Participated in the landscaping of the Wisconsin Pavilion at the 1964-65 New York World's Fair
• Hosted numerous parties at the House on the Rock throughout the 1950s, attracting hundreds of guests
Alex Jordan, having passed away in 1989, predated the era of social media and did not have a direct online presence. However, his legacy lives on through various online platforms dedicated to the House on the Rock, including its official website and social media accounts managed by the current owners.

Course Details

  • ⏱ Duration7
  • 📶 DifficultyEasy
  • ⌛ Access Lifetime
  • ⏰ Time investmentLight (1–5 Hours/Week)

🧠 Prerequisites

None, designed for complete beginners


💻 Requirements

Computer capable of running DaVinci Resolve, stable internet


💸 Hidden Costs

DaVinci Resolve software (free version works perfectly)


🙋‍♂️ Support Options

Email support, FilmSimplified community forum access

Course content

  • Module 1: DaVinci Resolve Interface Navigation and Project Setup
  • Module 2: Understanding Scopes (Waveform, Parade, Vectorscope)
  • Module 3: Primary Color Corrections (Lift, Gamma, Gain Essentials)
  • Module 4: Color Management Fundamentals (SDR/HDR Workflows)
  • Module 5: Secondary Corrections (Qualifiers, Power Windows, Basic Tracking)
  • Module 6: Node-Based Workflow Strategies
  • Module 7: LUT Application and Management
  • Module 8: Shot Matching Techniques
  • Module 9: Export Settings and Delivery Formats

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Feedbacks

Overall sentiment

Student feedback consistently highlights Jordan's teaching clarity. We tracked reviews across multiple platforms and found beginners particularly appreciate the step-by-step approach without overwhelming technical jargon.

Praised points

  • Clear explanations: Jordan breaks down complex color science into understandable concepts
  • Practical focus: Real-world examples rather than abstract theory
  • Pacing: Information delivered in manageable chunks perfect for weekend learning

Criticisms

  • Limited depth: Advanced colorists find content too basic
  • Version updates: Some interface elements reference older Resolve versions
  • Community interaction: Minimal peer-to-peer learning opportunities

Testimonials

"Alex has a knack for describing complex topics very concisely and clearly." – Learn Light and Sound Review

"The entire course was very useful and very concise, just like the episodes on YouTube." – FilmSimplified Student

"Finally understood color grading after struggling with free tutorials for months." – Course Graduate

"Worth every penny for the workflow tips alone." – Independent Filmmaker

"Best $79 I've spent on education this year." – YouTube Creator

Social insights

Reddit's r/colorists community frequently recommends Jordan's courses for beginners. We found multiple threads where users credit his teaching style for demystifying Resolve's intimidating interface. YouTube comments on his free tutorials consistently ask about his paid courses, indicating strong organic interest.

Video review

Marketing Analysis

Claim Verification

Course promises to teach color grading fundamentals to beginners. Our research confirms it delivers exactly that, no more, no less.

Price History

Originally launched at $97, now stable at $79. Occasional sales drop it to $59.

Upsell Practices

Optional LUT pack bundles available. No aggressive upselling during course.

Student Success

Multiple verified stories of students landing first color grading gigs for indie projects. Learn Light and Sound blog featured success story of wedding videographer who improved client satisfaction after taking course.

Platform & Delivery

Learning Platform

FilmSimplified's custom platform, clean interface with reliable video streaming

Content Accessibility

Lifetime access, stream-only (no downloads mentioned in our research)

Mobile Compatibility

Browser-based mobile viewing works, though color grading practice requires desktop

Technical Requirements

Computer meeting DaVinci Resolve minimum specs, broadband internet for HD streaming

Red flags check

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Complaints

We found zero significant complaints about course quality or delivery. The main grievance? Some students wanted more advanced content (which misses the beginner focus entirely).

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Refund policy issues

FilmSimplified offers a clear 30-day money-back guarantee. We found no reports of refund difficulties.

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Marketing practices

Jordan's marketing stays refreshingly honest. No "become a Hollywood colorist in 30 days" nonsense. Claims match actual course content.

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Community feedback

Reddit and forum discussions remain overwhelmingly positive. No reports of misleading content or unfulfilled promises.

Is this course legit?

Value For Money

At $79, you're getting structured learning from an experienced cinematographer. Compare that to fumbling through free tutorials for months, and the ROI becomes clear.

Conclusion

After thorough investigation, we can confirm Color Grading in DaVinci Resolve delivers genuine value for beginners. Alex Jordan's credentials check out (Dubai-based cinematographer with years of industry experience), and student outcomes match course promises.

Is it perfect? No. Advanced colorists will find it elementary, and the lack of live Q&A sessions might frustrate some learners. But for its target audience, complete beginners wanting to understand DaVinci Resolve's color tools, it hits the mark.

We particularly appreciate Jordan's restraint in marketing. He doesn't promise Hollywood-level results or six-figure colorist careers. Instead, he offers foundational skills at a fair price. In an industry full of overhyped courses, that honesty stands out.

For anyone starting their color grading journey, this course provides a structured, affordable path forward. Just remember: this is your starting point, not your destination.

FAQs about this course

Yes, it's specifically designed for people with zero color grading experience. Jordan assumes you've never opened DaVinci Resolve's color page before.

The course focuses on core concepts that work across versions. While originally created for Resolve 15/17, the fundamental tools and workflows remain consistent in newer versions.

No, the free version includes all features taught in this beginner course. Studio features like noise reduction aren't covered.

Most students finish within 7-10 days dedicating 1-2 hours daily. The course contains approximately 6-7 hours of video content.

You get email support and access to the FilmSimplified community forum. However, there's no live coaching or scheduled Q&A sessions.

It provides foundational skills, but becoming a professional requires additional advanced training and extensive practice. Think of it as step one of many.

Yes, Jordan provides downloadable footage for hands-on practice throughout the course.

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DaVinci Resolve 17: Beginner Color Grading screenshot
DaVinci Resolve 17: Beginner Color Grading Review
$ 79
Total score: 8,2/10 ⭐
  • Duration7
  • DifficultyEasy
  • Release Date01/2021
  • Format Self-Paced
  • AccessLifetime
  • Time InvestmentLight (1–5 Hours/Week)
  • Payment Options One-Time
  • LanguageEnglish
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DaVinci Resolve 17: Beginner Color Grading Review