Examples of Editing Images with WorkSpace - Part 5

Last Updated: 11th March 2025

EM5 II with 17mm f1.8 lens - ISO200, f7.1, 5Sec plus Tripod - Enhanced Raw converted in WS and edited in PS.

This article shows a random collection of photos I took over the years with my OMD or PEN cameras. My experience with the Color and Creative features from Olympus was not good when I started this blog in 2017. For example, we had cloudy conditions when visiting Prague in 2015. At the time I was disappointed because I didn't know much about photography in diffused light and how to use clouds to my advantage. I also didn't know much about the Enhanced Raw Format and that I could change my camera settings in Viewer 3 or Workspace. I decided to try ART filters in Prague.

All the Enhanced Raw Files were Converted in Viewer 3 or WorkSpace.

WorkSpace was not available when I did the original article in 2017. The previous Olympus raw editor, Viewer 3, had two editing menus, the standard JPEG editor, and a separate RAW converter. I preferred the RAW converter because it mirrored my camera settings. I re-edited my images from Prague in 2023 and decided to remove the Pop Art Filter from some of my EM5 II raw files. 

See this article for more about the evolution of Olympus cameras.

EM5 II with 12-50mm lens - ISO200, f6.3, 1/800, Tripod - Enhanced Raw edited with WS, + Color Creator, and Color Filters.

The above image was taken during our visit to Prague in December 2015. It was overcast with much rain and clouds. Prague is a lovely city and any photographer's dream. Imagine my disappointment when I saw the local weather forecasts. I decided to try the Olympus Pop ART filter in Prague.

The Pop ART filter looked good on my camera display but was a little too much on my PC. I was hoping to tame the Pop ART filter with the Color Creator but couldn't in the E-M5 II. I decided to use tonal adjustments (highlights/shadows) to tone down the Pop ART filter effect. I continued using this filter in Prague as it looked good on my camera display, and I could change it in Viewer 3.

EM5 II with 17mm f1.8 lens - ISO 100, f7.1, 25Sec plus Tripod - Enhanced Raw file converted in WS and edited in PS.

Taken with the O-MD EM-5 MKII and the 12-50mm EZ lens, Prague City

The above image is also from Prague. I re-edited all my Prague images in 2023. For example, I decided to cancel the Pop ART filter from this image in Workspace. The Pop ART filter can be a bit much for most people. I prefer the look of the first image with the Pop ART filter canceled.

The Olympus E-P7 has an advanced and flexible collection of ART filters. For example, it's possible to fine-tune the ART filters in the E-P7. That means varying the intensity of the ART filter effect with the E-P7 and Workspace. These options are available when editing JPEG files in Workspace. Interestingly, this fine-tuning option is available in Workspace but not in the OM System OM-3.

Like any of the Olympus creative color features, practice makes perfect...

Taken with the O-MD EM-5 II and the 12-50mm EZ lens, Prague City

The image below was taken with my original E-M5 in South Africa. When home I applied my standard post-processing routine to the RAW file with Photoshop. The final image highlights my preference for brighter colors. I use pastel colors for some photos but prefer bright colors and contrast.

I used Photoshop layers in the past to edit parts of my images. This changed over the years because Workspace does not have layers. It would be great if OM System added more features to WorkSpace. That said, I am learning how to edit light and contrast to highlight parts of the image with Workspace. I also started using light, shapes, and shadows (contrasts) when photographing. Although this photography and editing technique was new to me in 2025, it does not rely on editing with layers.

That said, Olympus cameras do have a type of in-camera "layers" option. The multiple exposure function has a layer-like function with the "Multiply" Blending Mode when combining images. This is interesting and it's worth practicing with the Multiply blending mode in Photoshop. This will help you to practice and master the in-camera multiple exposures function. Another way of simulating layers with Workspace is to export the converted raw file as a 16-bit Tiff file. Edit the Tiff file as many times as needed in Workspace. This is similar to editing separate Photoshop layers.

Taken with the O-MD EM-5 and the 12-50mm EZ Lens, taken in South Africa

The image below was taken in Locarno, Switzerland. My editing steps in Viewer 3 were the Soft Focus with Star effect ART Filter, the Noise filter was High, Exposure compensation -1, the Color Creator & Curves (below), Contrast -1, and Sharpness +1. The image was handheld with IBIS set to ON.

Olympus O-MD EM-5 II with 17mm f1.8 lens, Locarno Switzerland

The image below was taken in the lovely Emmental, Switzerland. I set the RAW file's WB in Viewer 3 and used my 1020 Color Profile and the Curves functions (see image).

Olympus Pen-F with 12-50mm EZ lens, Emmental Switzerland

The next image is from Locarno, Switzerland. It was a handheld image with IBIS. The adjustments are the Color Creator, Curves (see image), no Art Filter, and the Keystone function. I selected my White Balance in Viewer 3. The Color Creator was more helpful than the Color Adjust tool (specific colors) for this edit. The reason is, that nighttime city scenes often have multiple color casts.

Olympus O-MD EM-5 II with 17mm f1.8 lens, Locarno Switzerland

The image below was also taken in the lovely Emmental, Switzerland. To respect the lady's identities, I decided to use the Soft Focus ART filter. I used the Color Creator and Tone Curves. The Color Creator and Tone Curves functions are great for fine-tuning the Soft Focus Art Filter effect.

Olympus EM-5 MKII with 12-50mm EZ lens, Emmental Switzerland

The image below was taken in Bern, Switzerland. My editing settings were the Light Tone ART Filter, Color Adjust Profile plus Curves. This is a handheld photo with the Pen F.

Olympus Pen-F with 17mm f1.8 lens, Bern Switzerland

The image below was taken on the Island of Mainau in Germany. Adjustments are, Diorama Art Filter, Color Profile, and Curves (see image). I reduced the overall saturation of the Color Profile. The reason is the Diorama Art Filter adds too much saturation. The exposure was corrected with the Tone Curve in Workspace. Contrast -1 and Sharpening +1.

Olympus Pen-F with 25mm f1.8 lens,  Insel Mainau Germany 

The image below was taken in the lovely Emmental, Switzerland. Adjustments were Bleach Art Filter, Color Profile, and Curves. The bleach filter is becoming one of my favorite Art filters.

Olympus Pen-F with 25mm f1.8 lens, Emmental Switzerland

The example below is a Hi-Res image from my Pen-F. Preparing for this article I was testing new color profiles. I had some ND filters with me because I was trying these color filters in video mode.

The Hi-Res mode is great for simulating ND filters, and slow shutter speed water effects, especially in bright light. When changing over to Hi-Res mode it is important to check the camera RAW selection. My camera is always in RAW JPEG mode. The camera defaults to JPEG in Hi-Res mode.

Olympus Pen-F with 7-14mm f4.0 lens,  Emmental Switzerland

The image below was created using the Monochrome Profile. I adjusted the White Balance to add the blue cast. My editing steps were the Monochrome Profile, Curves, Noise Filter set to High, Contrast -1, and Sharpness +1. Today (2025) I only use the Noise Filter Low option for my cameras.

Olympus Pen-F with 12-50mm EZ lens, Emmental Switzerland

The picture below is also a Hi-Res photo. The High Res mode works well for product photos. I edited the RAW file in Photoshop. The resolution is enormous and the detail is impressive. When using the EM-1 II it is possible to do focus stacking in the camera. The complete image will be in focus. Camera models like the E-M5 II and the previous E-M1 can also do focus stacking in the camera.

 Olympus Pen-F with 30mm f3.5 Macro Lens

The E-PL7 is probably an all-time bargain. I bought one 2nd hand and was pleasantly surprised with its images and functionality. Time-lapse movies are easy with the E-PL7, set it up & walk away and when done, collect it again. To edit the Olympus E-PL7 files in WorkSpace select the jpeg files. This will enable you to use the Color Creator, Color Profile, and MonoChrome Profile functions.

Like the O-MD and Pen-F, the E-PL7 has "Live Composite" and Live Time" (Bulb) computational modes. Live Composite is probably one of the best-kept secrets from Olympus. It is absolutely worth taking the time to use these functions, they are powerful and fun to use.

See this link for more information on photographing fireworks and star trails.

Olympus E-PL7 with 7-14mm f4.0 lens

The image below was taken with my E-M1 MKI. The E-M1 continues to be an amazing camera in 2025. My goal was a unique starlight effect. I created the final image in Workspace and Photoshop.

Olympus OMD EM1 with 17mm f1.8 ( I used f11 to get the star effect)

The image below was taken with my Pen-F and a Monochrome Profile. I applied Curves to add contrast. The Pen F and E-P7 Monochrome Profile function is one of the best in the industry.

Olympus Pen-F with 25mm f1.8 lens, Insel Mainua Germany

I didn't discuss HDR photography much in this series. The Olympus built-in HDR function is powerful and a great function. It does take some practice to master the HDR function. The Olympus HDR function is very powerful and capable of delivering stunning results. Tip: Use a Tripod.

Here is a list of the other articles in this six-part series:

• A new Creative Color Strategy from Olympus - Part 1
• Digital Cameras, WB, and Color Accuracy - Part 2
• The Artist Color Wheel and Olympus Color - Part 3
• Discussing Olympus' Color Profile Function - Part 4
• Examples of Editing Images with WorkSpace - Part 5
• Color and Creative Photography with Olympus - Part 6

Discussing Olympus' Color Profile Function - Part 4

Last Update:- 12th March 2025

We reviewed the Olympus Creative Color strategy in the first three articles of this six-part series. We learned that a complete version of the Creative Color package is available with the Pen E-P7, Pen F, OM-3, and Workspace. We studied the basic principles of color, the standard color wheel, and color harmonies. We also saw our Color Creator, Monochrome, and Adjust Color adjustments are part of the Enhanced Raw Format and available for raw conversions in Workspace. This is huge.

Olympus EM1 with Lumix 14-140mm MKII - ISO200, f9, 1/800 - Enhanced Raw converted in WS, Soft ART filter, Color Creator, Curves, Clarity, Contrast...

This article focuses on the Adjust Color function of the Pen F, E-P7, OM-3, and Workspace. You will learn more about these cameras, Color Profiles, and Workspace. The camera's TruePic ART Processor (Fig. 1) manages the creative color features of these cameras and Workspace. 

See this article for more information.

Figure 1.

We can also create unique color profiles with camera settings like Picture Mode, Saturation, Contrast, WB shift, and Sharpness. The Pen-F, EP-7, and OM-3 are unique because the Adjust Color and Monochrome functions are designed to target specific colors. I don't know of any other digital camera that can adjust specific colors. They are all designed for global color adjustments.

The image below shows the raw file on the left and the converted photo on the right. The inserts show the camera settings on the left and the Workspace adjustments on the right. We can save these raw file adjustments as a "Color Profile" with the Workspace batch-processing option. We can apply these batch-processing files to other raw files or share them with friends and colleagues.

In other words, you can share your Workspace editing steps with a friend.

It's good to plan and experiment with these "color profiles." The Adjust Color function could be one of several variables in a batch-processing file. Batch-processing files can also be specific to JPEG, RAW, or Workspace. For example, I keep separate folders for my JPEG and RAW profiles.

The reasons are the following:

• JPEG Profiles - JPEG Profiles are not compatible with RAW files.
• RAW Profiles - RAW Profiles are not compatible with JPEG files.
• Workspace Profiles - It has more options than the Pen F, E-P7, or OM-3.

For more information on saving Olympus' image settings in WorkSpace, see my how-to page (Tip 5). The Adjust Color function targets specific colors and not a selection of colors (global colors) like the Color Creator, WB compensation adjustments, or Workspace Color Filters. The Adjust Color function gives us more creative control over colors or color harmonies than the Color Creator.

I converted this OM-3 Enhanced Raw File with Workspace and the Color Creator.

The following features can be included in Color Profiles:- 

• Global Colors with the Color Creator (most OMD and Pen cameras), 
• Global Colors like WB settings, WB compensation, and Color Filters (WS), 
• Workspace Red, Green, and Blue (Tone Curve) adjustments (global colors), 
• Black and White and Monochrome profile functions (targeted & global colors),
• The Adjust Color function (Pen F, E-P7, OM-3, and Workspace (target colors),
• Basic camera editing settings like sharpness, contrast, and saturation (as others),
• Tonal Adjustments (Gradation, highlight, mid-tone, shadow, and Tone Curve).

Workspace has more functions like dehaze and clarity that can be included in a batch processing file. The examples below are basic raw conversions with Workspace and the Color Adjust function.

Example 1. Saving my raw conversion as a batch-processing file.

The following profile is compatible with Pen, OMD, and OM cameras. One can also save these settings in one of the camera's Custom Modes. The key to creating color profiles is practice, patience, and small adjustments. The profile below can be saved in Workspace and applied to other raw files.

Example 2. Saving Monochrome and Adjust Color raw conversion settings

I converted the following enhanced raw file with Workspace. The first image is a camera JPEG, the second is an Adjust Color profile, and the third is a Monochrome profile. Workspace raw conversions are ideal for improving your Adjust Color and Monochrome skills with the Pen F, E-P7, and OM-3. My image results with these cameras improve with each raw conversion I do with Workspace.

Olympus Pen F with the 25mm f1.8 M.Zuiko lens. ISO200, f8.0, 1/250. I converted the Enhanced Raw File in Workspace.

See the "Color Profile" data below.

I applied a S-Curve with the Workspace Tone Curve.

See the Monochrome data below.

I applied a S-Curve with the Workspace Tone Curve.

Here is a list of the other articles in this six-part series:

• A new Creative Color Strategy from Olympus - Part 1
• Digital Cameras, WB, and Color Accuracy - Part 2
• The Artist Color Wheel and Olympus Color - Part 3
• Discussing Olympus' Color Profile Function - Part 4
• Examples of Editing Images with WorkSpace - Part 5
• Color and Creative Photography with Olympus - Part 6

The Artist Color Wheel and Olympus Color - Part 3

Last Update:- 6th March 2025

Olympus EM1 II and 7-14mm f2.8 M.Zuiko Pro lens - ISO64, f8, 1/160 (Edited in Viewer 3)

Introduction to Olympus cameras

Hobby photographers work hard on portrait shoots or when asked to photograph a wedding or photo event. They will consider and discuss portrait locations, colors, and the clothes clients plan to wear for an event. This article reviews the different creative color options we have with Olympus.

The first article in this series hinted that photographers focus too much on specifications (The sensor, image processor, and lens). For instance, most digital photographers focus on Dynamic Range, perfect image quality (details), perfect lenses, no noise, and absolutely NO highlight clipping.

It is OK to ignore those "perfect" specifications and regard your camera as the ultimate 
creative tool. You should always experiment with your camera to develop your 
unique skillset. That said, it's no secret why younger photographers

 dominate social media with mostly their mobile phones.

Olympus OMD and PEN cameras plus Workspace offer several creative options. Knowledge, patience, and practice are all we need to create wonderful impressions of our daily experiences.

List of Olympus' Creative options: (All of these are available with the Pen F & EP-7)

1. ART Filters (EP-7 offers the ultimate ART filter control)
2. SCN Modes (Pen F, you need to assign SCN modes to C4)
3. Color Creator (Pen-F - Creative Dial, EP-7 - AP Button)
4. Color Profile (Pen-F - Creative Dial, EP-7 - Color/Mono Lever)
5. Monochrome Profile (Pen-F - Creative Dial, EP-7 - Color/Mono Lever)
6. Different White Balance options & fine-tuning options
7. Shadows, mid-tones, and highlight control (Tone or Gamma Curve)
8. Several options to adapt SCN and ART filters
9. Various in-camera HDR Modes
10. Video and Time Lapse options & filters
11. Multiple images and the Image Overlay function
12. Several blue-hour options or long-exposure photography options
13. High Res Imaging - (Pen F only - Functions also as a creative option)
14. Standard image adjustments (Saturation, Sharpness, Contrast)
15. Gradation or SAT (High Key, Low Key, Normal, and Auto)
16. In-camera RAW editing (other editing options also available)
17. My Clips video mode (including slow motion)
18. Image storytelling with different image templates - Pen F
19. Standard PASM exposure and iAuto modes
20. e-Portrait for softer skin tones
21. Various Bracketing options (HDR, Focus Stacking, and more)
22. Multiple Flash photography options

A quick introduction to Color with Olympus

Olympus used the standard Color Wheel to create functions like Color Adjust and the Color Creator. That means we can access lots of information and experience about the Color Wheel. It was a steep learning curve familiarizing myself with new color concepts, like Color Harmonies. The Enhanced Raw Format and Workspace made it easy to experiment with these new color functions from Olympus.

When Olympus introduced the new EM5 II, the Color Creator looked like just another "gimmick." Like any new function, I did not immediately see the value in the Color Creator. I only started using the Color Creator after studying basic color concepts like color harmonies and opposite colors. The more I use the unique Olympus color features the more I see the value in having them.

The above illustration shows the standard "Olympus" Color Wheel. The outside diameter has different colors (hues) at 100% saturation. This color wheel is based on the Additive Model which desaturates and goes white in the center. The primary colors are Red, Green, and Blue, and the secondary colors are Magenta, Cyan, and Yellow. I also marked monochrome colors on the outside diameter. One half shows warm colors and the other half is cold colors. I also added Olympus' White Balance information on the Color Wheel. This lets us pre-visualize white balance selections, like CWB (Custom White Balance), and the effect it will have on the image. You will also find the White Balance compensation "sliders" on the Color Wheel. You are welcome to download and use the color wheel.

TIP: You can select the Color Creator from the SCP or Picture Mode.

The Color Wheel helps us identify color harmonies (further down), such as complimentary or primary colors. Most OMD and PEN cameras come with the Color Creator function. The Color Adjust function is unique to the Pen F, E-P7, and Workspace. It's good to practice pre-visualizing Color Creator and Color Adjust image effects. Use Workspace to improve your skills with the Color Wheel.

I was introduced to color harmonies when I did my first website in 2007. Some designers say color has a more profound impact on people than content. Golden sunrise or sunset scenes create positive emotions, and pastel colors are more pleasing than bright colors to younger viewers. Would German car owners have different color preferences to US drivers? Do you only focus on the subject, or do you treat background colors as an integral part of the final image?

Why do we have RGB, CYM, or RYB color pallets? Red, Green, and Blue (RGB) are the Primary Colors in the above Color Wheel, and Cyan, Yellow, and Magenta (CYM) are the Secondary Colors. It's important to master the Color Wheel. The video below is a short summary of the Color Wheel.

An interesting video explaining the standard Color Wheel.

Opposite Colors play an important role when managing image colors with Olympus' color features. For example, the Color Creator and the White Balance functions use Opposite Colors. How do we identify color casts, and how do we correct them? Opposite colors will correct color casts. The difference between photography and videography is photographers pivot neutral colors, and videographers use unique Color Profiles to create a specific atmosphere or emotion in the scene or movie.

Photographers typically use subtractive or additive colors. Electronic equipment (TVs) use RGB colors to create images (frames). This is referred to as an Additive System. When illuminated, CYM colors reflect the light (Luminance) from paint or printed media. This is called a Subtractive System. 

How do we apply these two color models in digital photography? The image signal (Reflected Light) passes through the lens and consists of additive colors. The sensor captures reflected light, and the image processor converts it into RGB colors. Your PC screen uses RGB colors to display color.

How do we improve our creative results when the sensor receives both reflected light (luminance) and incident light? Do these two image signals have different WB values and colors?

What happens if we mix RGB and CYM colors equally? The resulting RGB mix will be white, and the resulting CYM mix will be black. See the above illustrations. Also, see this article. What other Color Combinations are available to Olympus photographers? Consider the Color Creator, White Balance, and opposite colors. See this website for more information about color harmonies (palettes).

The above illustration shows 6 Color Combinations: primary, analogous, secondary, complementary, intermediate, and split complementary. Photographers apply color combinations to create or focus on harmonizing the colors in the photo. They also use complementary or opposite colors in projects when targeting more than one color. Magenta, green, yellow, and blue colors are complementary colors. Yellow with green or red with magenta are analogous colors. 

Study this "must-see" video.

Why would photographers apply color casts? Color helps photographers to create specific emotions or emphasize unique situations. For example, we can set our Olympus cameras to warm or neutral colors in artificial light. We can also correct a warm color cast with the Color Creator. The Color Creator reminds me of the Fuji "Chrome" effect. Try and simulate Fuji Chrome effects.

Olympus E-620 and 12-60mm Zuiko lens. I converted the Enhanced Raw File in Workspace. I then applied a color profile to the Tiff file.

Tiny color adjustments are more effective than large...

It's good to apply small adjustments with the Color Creator. Start by scanning the colors in the scene and select those you like to work with. Select a color (or the opposite) on the Color Creator and visualize the effects before making adjustments. The Color Creator has 30 colors with 6 adjustments each. That means each step creates a 15% difference. These are NOT tiny increments.

Editing with WorkSpace is a great way of familiarizing yourself with the Color Creator, the Color Adjust function, and the Monochrome Profiles. The visual feedback from Workspace is also superior to the camera's display. It's simply impossible to effectively practice with the camera display.

Different or unique Image manipulation options

I created the above image with selections and partial Photoshop editing. The yellow subject (car) in the front was done separately from the background. The final image has a bright and saturated kiosk against a desaturated background. While Olympus didn't give us partial editing options, it is possible to simulate this street photography scene with the Olympus Color Creator.

How to create image effects with the Color Creator 

The Color Creator works well with opposite colors. One would start by targeting specific colors. This could be the orange cast of a sunrise or sunset or the greens of a forest. A quick test is to change the targetted color's vividness with a few +/-1 steps. Study the effect and select the final color combo for your scene. It's good to develop a feel for working with opposite colors. 

See the following examples of using opposite colors:-

The above image has 2 dominant colors. Both can be used as opposite colors. I targeted the color blue in the above example. This increased the saturation of the targeted color (blue) whereas the opposite color (yellow) is desaturation. These changes will increase with each +/-  VIVID adjustment.

I targeted the color blue in the above example. This changed both the sky and the tree (leaves). The sky is brighter with a chrome effect and the greens are desaturated (like a cold color cast). The best way to familiarize yourself with the Color Creator is to practice in Workspace. For example, the Color Adjust function helps us to practice finding specific image colors on the color wheel.

The target color was yellow in the above example. This means blue is the opposite color. You can test your knowledge by explaining the color effects in the above image. The result is the opposite of what we saw in the first example. We can do similar experiments in Workspace.

I increased the targeted color's vivid setting (Saturation) to +2 in the above image. This amplified the yellows in the above example. Small steps per adjustment create optimum results with any of the Olympus creative color tools. The above example also shows the Color Creator's effect on the adjacent colors to the left and right of the targeted and opposite colors.

The above example is an interesting iteration of the others. The Color Creator creates global effects and the Color Adjust function targets specific colors. You as an artist or creator decide when to switch from one to another. That said, you might like to control the Color Creator effect. For instance, I upped the Color Creator's VIVID setting to +3 and used my WB compensation sliders to control the effect on the sky (blue color). See this article for more info about the Color Creator.

Here is a list of the other articles in this six-part series:

• A new Creative Color Strategy from Olympus - Part 1
• Digital Cameras, WB, and Color Accuracy - Part 2
• The Artist Color Wheel and Olympus Color - Part 3
• Discussing Olympus' Color Profile Function - Part 4
• Examples of Editing Images with WorkSpace - Part 5
• Color and Creative Photography with Olympus - Part 6