My journey

My love for imagery began with photography- capturing stills, shaping light, 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 my camera captured

That passion took a turn when I collaborated with a cinematographer whose work opened my eyes to the process of colour grading. It was everything I loved about photography- only on a grander, more technically intricate scale. I thrive in the space where art meets science, and colour grading, much like high-end cookery, is the perfect blend of both. I was hooked

Since then, I’ve dedicated myself fully to the craft of colour. Leaving behind a business I spent 12 years building was a huge leap- but one I had to take for a calling I could no longer ignore

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 colourist is always to honour the cinematographer’s intent, refining the image without overpowering it and offering my 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 him fortnightly for two years and studying intensely between sessions. This gave me expertise in colour management, VFX pipelines, and high-end workflows, but for me, technical mastery exists only to serve the creative. I am a creative first, backed by a strong technical foundation to ensure precision and consistency

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 know 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