Fujifilm X-Pro 2. Film Profiles in LR and PS

Applying Fujifilm Film Simulations within Adobe Lightroom

I posted an article recently for FujiLove on-line magazine about applying film profiles within the In Camera RAW Converter for the Fujifilm X-Pro 2. This is a great feature if you want to quickly shoot, process, transfer via wifi to your smart device and post to social media. I know many photographers who love this capability. However, if you have more time and want to really explore the film simulation profiles of the X-Pro 2 and other Fujifilm X series cameras, you can do so within Lightroom and Photoshop. Here's how:

Shot on Fujifilm X-Pro 2 and XF 35mm f/2 WR. Imported into LR and ACROS Ye Filter applied

The first thing you need to know is that adding a film simulation in post is camera specific. If your current Fujifilm camera (for instance the X100S) does not have a specific profile you want (Classic Chrome), you won't be able to apply it later in post via LR or PS. The film simulation profile must be native within your camera to begin with. This means the highly sought after ACROS film simulation is currently only available with the new X-Pro 2. Too bad. Second, the image you are processing must be a RAW file (*.RAF), not a JPEG. If you didn't shoot a RAW file initially, it's too late.

The biggest question I get asked is: Where do you find the profiles in LR or PS? For LR it is found under CAMERA CALIBRATION tab while you are in Develop mode. The default setting is ADOBE STANDARD. If you click that window, all the film profiles appear and you can select any of the available profiles. I suggest making all your adjustments first and then select your film profile last, then you can proceed to either export the image or continue editing your virtual camera roll.

To apply film simulations with Photoshop, you must start by clicking on the RAW image file. The CAMERA RAW (current version 9.4) application automatically opens up if this is your default RAW converter application. Again, I suggest making all your basic and advanced adjustments first (white balance, tone curve, etc.) and then make your way to the Camera Calibration tab (the little camera icon). Again, the default camera profile is ADOBE STANDARD. Click it and all the film simulations will come up. Now you can see in real time and on a large monitor how each film simulation profile affects your soon-to-be-processed image. Within this Camera Calibration tab you can also tweak the film profile itself. Very cool.

ADOBE CAMERA RAW 9.4 for Photoshop CC

I prefer applying film profiles within Lightroom because it allows me to edit through all my images quickly. If I really want to work an image, I'll go back and import the RAW image into Photoshop and fine tune my process and make more critical adjustments. The ease in which we can apply these Fujifilm film simulations within LR and PS makes shooting JPEGs only natively within the camera almost redundant. As a general rule I personally shoot RAW + JPEG because I want a quick reference image in camera while shooting because you can't zoom in on a RAW only image in camera. In addition, with the reference JPEG it's easier to quickly browse through my images once imported into my computer. However, everyone has different workflows and whatever works for you is great. The ability to apply film simulations either in camera or within LR and PS is just another tool for Fujifilm photographers to help create amazing images.