General Olympus Profiles - 2023

Last Update:- 20th October 2023

Introduction

I have done a fair amount of writing on Color and Creative photography. This includes Color Profiles, Monochrome Profiles, and a dedicated page for Pen-F or E-P7 profiles. The obvious question is, what about the rest of the OM-D and PEN series from Olympus?

Most Olympus M43 cameras and some of the older E-series cameras have the right features to benefit from WS profiles. A good understanding of the Enhanced Raw Format is essential for building profiles. Most O-MD and PEN cameras have the option to save profiles.

 

Olympus EM5 w 17mm f2.8 - Jpeg edited in WS - Soft focus ART filter, Opacity, Color Filter, Curves (Social Media Look).

Olympus has 2 types of Presets or Custom modes. We can use them to save our camera settings. See my Pen-F and Custom Modes C1 - C4 articles. The E-M1 II & III have the same Custom Modes. Older cameras like the EM5 II and EM10 II use My-Preset buttons. For example, photographers can link any camera configuration or profile to the My-Preset memory spaces.

How to save Color Profiles in the EM10 II?

It's possible to copy the above description for most Olympus cameras. The EM10 II comes with 4 "My-Preset." These might be color profiles or specific camera configurations like sports photography. Start entering a new camera configuration or color profile into the EM10 II. When done, save the new "Profile" in one of the 4 "My-Preset" memory spaces.

Always duplicate and save your camera Color and Monochrome profiles in Workspace. It's practical to keep your profiles in Workspace, plus it's easy to tweak them in Workspace.

See this great discussion with examples on DPReview...

By Jean Pierre-Martel - link

Here is a List of different editing styles or filters

1. Warm colors for a Sunrise or Sunset 
2. Orton Effect with Multiple Exposures 
3. How to create a social media look 
4. DxO FilmPack 5 filters and profiles
5. WaterColor and KeyLine ART Filters
6. Soft Focus ART filter with PS layers
7. For more ideas with Lensbaby lenses
8. Use multiple filters to create Profiles
9. Partial Color Profile (WS plus Photoshop)
10. Autumn Colors Profile for Workspace - NEW

1. Warm colors for a Sunrise or Sunset

This profile is designed for photographers who work with sunrise and sunset profiles. It works with most Olympus cameras because it uses your WB settings with the Color Creator.

EM1 II with 12-40mm f2.8 Lens - ISO200, f2.8, 1/1250 - Profile Settings, WB=Shade, CC=5:2, Curves=3.2.-1, Gradation=AUTO.

Profile or editing values/settings

- Color Creator Settings:-

• Color = 2
• Vivid = +1

Select a Color value from 1 to 3 in the Color Creator. The selected color should match the colors in the scene. Select 3 for the red colors in the sky and 2 or 3 for Yellow/orange. Change the Vividness between -1 and +3. Be conservative with the vivid slider because it could cause unwanted color casts. The aim is to focus on natural colors for most scenes.

- WB setting:-

Use Auto WB or WB presets like "Shade" (7500). This creates an orange glow or warmer scenes.

- The Highlights/Shadows (Curves) function

• Highlights = +2
• Shadows = -2
• Use Midtones to tweak your image brightness
• Any of these Highlights/Shadows (Curves) sliders can be tweaked

- How to adapt or tweak the profile?

Experiment with the above settings to tweak your final image look or profile.

Olympus EM5 II with 12-50mm EZ Lens - ISO1000, f5.6, 1/3200 - Raw edited in WS, WB Clouds, CC 1:1, Curves 2 and -1.

The above image is an interesting example because I saturated the blues, orange, and pink colors. Use the Adjust Color tool in Workspace if you can't identify the colors in your image. The Adjust Color tool helps us to see which color is under the cursor as we move the mouse over the image.

An interesting TIP is to plan your editing in advance. This technique works well with the Olympus Enhanced Raw Format. It makes it possible to edit or revert to the Olympus raw file (Enhanced Raw Format) settings with Workspace. The next step is to edit the image in Workspace "Live View" mode until the final photo matches your vision for the scene.

EM5 with 14-150mm f4-f5.6 Lens - ISO200, f6.3, 1/1250 - Edited with WS, Color Filter Orange w 30 strength, WB shadow, and Curves.

2. Orton Effect with Multiple Exposures

I watched this video discussing the Orton Effect with Photoshop. This inspired me to have the same effect in Workspace. This is possible because Workspace has a Multiple Exposure function. We can also do this with our Olympus cameras. (See the video below the 2nd example.)

Orton Effect in Photoshop with the technique from the video.

How to create the Orton effect in the camera:- 

• The best way is to use a tripod for your camera
• You basically need a subject that does not move
• Select the Multiple Exposure function on the camera
• To keep everything steady, use the 2-sec timer on your camera
• Take the first of the 2 images with the camera autofocus ON
• Go to the SCP and select MF (clutch on the lens) to have MF
• Adjust the focus until the subject is just out of focus, and take the 2nd image
• The camera will now combine these two images into the Orton effect
• You need to experiment with the focus offset and the camera settings...

What settings work best for the Multiple Exposure function:-

• Number of Frames = 2
• Auto Gain = OF (This will brighten the background - use -1EV if needed)
• Overlay = ON
• In some cases, I used 2 frames ON and Auto Gain ON - (always experiment!!)

How to create the Orton Effect in WorkSpace:-

1. You will basically create two jpegs from the same Enhanced Raw File in WS
2. I activated my Enhanced Raw settings for both focus versions in Workspace
3. I then combined the two jpeg results with the "Multiple Composite" tool in WS
4. Take the time to tweak your settings in the Composite window (final look.)
5. When ready, export the image and do any final editing in Photoshop.

How to change or tweak this technique:-

The left flower in the above illustration shows movement. I kept the image for its different look. The photo in the middle is a regular one, and the one to the right is my final Orton Effect in Workspace.

This is NOT a quick-and-easy technique. It takes time to practice to select the right camera and lens combination for this technique. It's easy to replicate or save a basic profile with the correct settings for your style and camera configuration.

Finally, the Multiple Exposure function from Olympus is fun. Think out of the box to improve your success rate. Like all photography disciplines, the pathway to success is practice...

3. How to create a Social Media look

Olympus EM5 II with 17mm f1.8 lens - ISO1000, f6.3, 1/6400 - The Gradation is Auto, Soft Focus Art Filter, Color Creator is 11:0, and Curves +3/-3.

We often find photographers looking for a specific social media LUT or color profile. It is possible to copy a social media look and save it as a batch file (profile) in Workspace. As you see from these images, there are several ways of creating social media profiles in Workspace.

Olympus EM1 II w 12-40mm f2.8 - ISO200, f3.5, 1/125 - Social Media Look.

I used a raw file from my EM1 II to create the above social media look. We have more options with Workspace and raw files. For example, firmware (V1.5) and higher makes it possible to use multiple filters for the same image (impossible in the camera). The new E-P7 has an "Opacity" slider for some ART filters. This slider was added to Workspace V1.5 and higher.

Social media influencers need dedicated and consistent profiles. Take time and experiment with different editing styles. A typical example is B&W profiles for street photographers. Take the time to create a profile that compliments your unique photography style.

Here are the settings I used for the above two images:-

Using the Color Filter method for WS:-

- I used the Violet Color filter with a strength of 24

- I then created a soft look with Curves using -2/0/+2

- I set the Gradation filter to AUTO (to lighten the shadows)

- You can use the contrast or the unsharp mask filter to sharpen it a little

- Can you also use Color Filters with your camera - it only offers fewer options...

Social Media profile for flowers with the Color Filter technique and WS.

The Color Creator method for WS:-

- I started with the Color Creator with these settings - Color = 11, Vivid = 2

- Next, select the Soft Focus ART filter and reduce the opacity to -1 or -2

- I set the Gradation filter to AUTO to brighten the shadows (flat look)

- Use Curves to un-soften the image to taste. (+2/+2/-1)

It's possible to use multiple filters like Tone Curves, Color Creator, and ART filters to create your personal profile or image look.

Social Media profile for city or street photography with the Color Filter technique and WS.

The examples below are a mix of the above social media editing styles. 

4. DxO FilmPack 5 filters and profiles

DxO FilmPack is a filter software package for those interested in old-style film photos. I have been using DxO software for years. DxO PhotoLab is one of the best RAW converters for Olympus cameras. That's why I keep an updated version of PhotoLab and FilmPack.

Olympus Pen F with 12-35mm f2.8 Lumix - Jpeg with DxO Kodak ExtraChrome Profile.

I wrote a separate article for DxO FilmPack 5 - here.

These old-style film profiles from DxO are fun if you like film-style images. FilmPack is one of the best software solutions for creating film-style profiles. Similar to using Olympus ART filters, it's not a good idea to use a DxO Film Filter from FilmPack without editing or personalizing it.

This feels like an old-school sales engineer for DxO. That said, I don't support the use of undisclosed promotions. I only use DxO because I was looking for an alternative to Photoshop.

Olympus EM1 II with 12-40mm f2.8 Lens - ISO1250, f2.8, 1/13 - FilmPack 5 with Kodak Kodachrome and Frame.

5. Kodachrome and KeyLine ART Filters

What are the best settings for Watercolor ART Filters? Watercolor ART filters are complex, and I never knew how to best apply them. I am not any better today. What you see in these examples is me experimenting. Search and watch videos of real artists painting with watercolors.

My camera settings. The Watercolor and Keyline photos in the duo and triptych examples were taken with my Pen F and converted in Workspace. I use the enhanced raw format to simulate my camera settings and the final camera Live View display. The other alternative is to use my Pen F jpeg files. It is possible to get similar results from an EM5 II or EM1 II. The camera/lens and Workspace combination are essential because they help us determine the best combination for these filters.

If you are new to the Enhanced Raw Format, see this link.

Here are my camera settings:-

• I used my Olympus 45mm f1.8 lens
• I used Manual Exposure mode on my camera
• I used the Watercolor and Leyline ART filters
• My "starting Curves" settings were:
• Highlights = +1
• Midtones = 0
• Shadows = -1
• I used a fixed aperture of f5.0 and the ISO Low setting
• I mainly used the EVF to monitor and "paint" the final look

The above settings are a good starting point for these ART filters. Frame the image, find the best focus point, and start "painting" with your shutter speed and the Highlights/Shadows/Midtones values. The color and structure of the image change as you change the shutter speed and Highlights/Shadows values. Always check the exposure meter. Adjust the shutter speed between +0.5EV and -0.5EV.

It takes time and practice to "paint" with a camera. Always select the Raw + Jpeg option because the final adjustments are best made in Workspace.

Olympus EM5 II with 17mm f6.3 lens - ISO1000, 1/5000, f6.3 - Watercolor ART filter and DxO Frame.

I need more experience to give more advice. Having used them in my camera and Workspace, I can only recommend real-life watercolor techniques.

The mistake we make is asking for quick and perfect results. I noticed the potential of these filters when I saw real artists working on actual paintings. This ART filter needs a lot of practice and patience, and you won't receive any support from forums on ART filters or creative photography...

My WorkSpace editing steps. I used a few raw files with selected ART filters for this section. The first step is selecting (activate) my Enhanced Raw File settings in Workspace.

I will study the image Exif data before using a Workspace ART filter. As my experience with ART filters improved, I trusted my decisions more in the field.

Here are a few basic adjustments for ART filters:-

• I used my White Balance sliders to fine-tune my colors
• I use the Tone Curves function to adjust color and contrast
• The highlights/shadows function controls DR in the camera
• Dehaze - works well for increasing the definition of clouds
• I use the Dehaze and Clarity sliders to improve the clouds
• The new ART filter Opacity slider works well for the E-P7
• Multiple filters in WS remind me of layers in Photoshop
• Instead of having masks, we use color to control the filters

It's good to use the slow screen update option in WS. The editing cycle slows down without this option, making editing an image take longer.

The above triptych images are jpegs and captured with the Keyline ART filter. The keyline filter is not as complex as the Watercolor ART filter. The EVF also works well for both ART filters.

6. Soft Focus ART Filter with Photoshop Layers

This is a great editing technique for quick and consistent results and profiles. It works well for both RAW and JPEG files. It consists of two parts:

1. Workspace:- Basic editing in WS or the camera. The final step is to apply an ART filter
2. Photoshop:- The 2nd step in Photoshop. Duplicate the layer to use a blending modes

Here are the steps in more detail:-

1. Open the image in Workspace or select your preferred "editing" settings in the camera
2. Do all the final editing steps like WB, Exp Comp, and Curves (create a profile if needed.)
3. Experiment with different ART filters - I used the Soft Focus Art filter as an example
4. Export/transfer the final WS-edited image to Photoshop (or any editor with layers.)
5. Duplicate the layer in PS with "Cntrl J" and select the "Soft Light" blending mode 
6. The "Screen" blending mode works well for creating a glow effect for your images
7. Fine-tune the final image look with the Opacity sliders in Layers. Export for the web

Experiment with the different ART filters in WS and the different Blending modes in Photoshop until you find a working combination to support your unique image look. You can prepare a few standard profiles for Workspace, like a basic editing profile, black and white, and cropping ratios. Profiles are a simple way of speeding up your image editing or post-processing in Workspace.

Olympus EP3 with 12mm f2.0 - ISO200, f7.1, 1/1000 - Jpeg edited in WS, PS Elements 15, DxO FilmPack.

EM5 w 12-50mm - ISO200, f8.0, 1/500 - Jpeg edited in WS with a mix of ART filters & Soft Focus & PS Blend mode.

EM5 w 12mm f2.0 - ISO200, f6.3, 1/320 - Jpeg edited in WS plus soft-focus ART filter & PS Blend mode.

7. More creative ideas with Lensbaby lenses 

Photographers are always looking for new ways to be creative, and Lensbaby offers challenging and rewarding creative options. The most effective way is to study what you want and buy a Lensbaby lens secondhand. The nice thing about Lensbaby is its availability on the used markets.

I wrote an article about Lensbaby lenses and Olympus - link.

Taken with the Pen-F and Composer, using the New "1020" color profile - used as a display background image.

The above image shows how M43 photographers benefit from the Enhanced Raw Format and Workspace. We can use the 1020 or any of my Pen F color profiles in Workspace. Go to my Pen F / EP7 profile page, copy the details, and apply them to your enhanced raw files in Workspace...

Olympus Pen-F with the Lensbaby Composer - I used the Color Creator, WB, Curves, and Vignetting with the camera.

8. Use multiple filters to create new profiles

Use multiple filters for your images in Workspace V1.5 or higher. For example, we can use the Color Creator, ART Filters, and Color Filters on the same raw file. This is not possible with the camera. Cameras like the E-P7 have more options for ART filters. These are also available for Workspace when converting Enhanced Raw Files from the PEN E-P7.

Understanding color, color harmonies, and opposite colors is essential when working with any Olympus ART filter or profile. See my 6-part series on Olympus cameras and color. The image below was edited in Workspace. I created a batch file (profile). See my editing steps below the photo.

Use image editors like Photoshop in combination with Workspace. For example, you could use different ART filters on the same Raw file and use layers to apply unique Blending Modes.

9. Partial Color Profile for Workspace and Photoshop

I often see forum posters asking, which is the best RAW converter? Workspace is NOT just another RAW converter but an extension of your Olympus camera. Photographers don't consider Workspace and the camera as one because other manufacturers do not offer this unique characteristic. This compatibility is something new and more potent than most photographers think. The key is to know that 95% of your Workspace settings are the same as your camera settings...

Your ability to apply the camera's ART filters improves as you start using the ART Filters in WS more frequently. This simple learning function of working with Olympus cameras and WS is one of the best benefits of using an Olympus camera. Don't let others make you think this is not the case...

The above image is an interesting example. I used the Partial Color ART filter twice and combined the 2 results in Photoshop. I applied the Soft Focus Effect in the ART filter and adjusted the intensity with the Clarity and Dehaze sliders. I used a Color Filter in Workspace and duplicated the background layer in Photoshop to add a Soft Light Blending effect. It is possible to edit or adjust the intensity of each step. I used DxO FilmPack to select a frame for the image.

10. Autumn Colors Profile for Workspace

I designed the new Autumn Colors profile for Raw files. It will work with any Olympus camera with the Color Creator function. Study this article on the importance of knowledge plus the new Autumn Profile, designed for all Olympus cameras with the Color Creator function.

Olympus Pen F with 17mm f1.8 lens - ISO800, f5.6, 1/60 - Autumn Color Profile

How to unlock the Full Potential of Olympus cameras? Ignoring camera reviews and photography forums is the best thing you can do for your Olympus camera and photography. Break away from commercial arguments like the "size and capture" theory or counter-marketing arguments on forums statements like keep your ISO below ISO800 or M43 cameras are known for diffraction problems. Free your mind from all these commercial arguments and become a thinking photographer.