Mixing & Matching Quest Sets
We have 32 Quest sets (and counting) and even more creative profiles and tools available from all of the Quest releases over the years— which means ENDLESS editing combination possibilities! With so many choices, it can be difficult to picture what might pair well together, so we’ve rounded up some tips for combining Quest presets and profiles, as well as tools, from the Quest archive!
Why mix and match Quest presets and profiles?
First things first, why would you WANT to mix and match while editing?
Aside from creating a truly one-of-a-kind edit, mixing and matching gives you versatility, especially when editing galleries with mixed color or lighting scenarios! Let’s say you’ve started editing with a preset that looks amazing on all the outdoor photos— but when you apply it to an indoor image, you’re missing something to make the colors or dynamics really pop! Going into the creative profile browser in Lightroom and trying out different profiles to layer on top of the preset instead of its default profile is a great way to maintain the same edit vibe while giving certain images a slightly different treatment to make the edits work to your advantage!
Not sure what a Creative Profile is in Lightroom? Check out this info to learn more about them: What are Creative Profiles
Change up the dynamics by adding more contrast via the profile OR more muted, softer tones
Image by Let Me Show You Love
Edited with Quest 22 Glacial 02, ExpiredFilmB Profile from Riven
In the image above, the profile from Glacial was replaced with a more muted, filmic profile from Riven to give the image a totally new aesthetic!
Adding the dynamic contrast from the Ayre Profile to the above Serenus edit gives it a natural boost in contrast while the true-to-color edit remains intact. Tools polish the image.
Tip: Great preset candidates to mix and match profiles with are presets whose profiles are set to 0 at default! These sets use the profile to adjust the edit after the preset is applied instead of the color grading or tonal range coming in from the profile, so mixing and matching is easy peasy!
Add or replace color tones by swapping the profile
Some presets utilize the profile to add color toning to the personality of the preset— by swapping out the profile, you can remove those colors and replace them with new ones OR boost tones already in the preset with a complementary profile! Boost a warm preset by adding warm profile, for example! Play with the colors until you find the combo that fits your image perfectly!
Image by Liv Toolan
Edited with Quest 26 ZIA 01, Jasper Profile from Quest 05 Gemtones, Vignette from Quest 32 Zalea
The above images use the profile to add even more warmth and earthiness (right image) or cool blues (right image). You can swap up the colors, too, for a totally different edit!
Don’t forget about black and whites!
There are plenty of black and white presets and profiles to play with, too! Profiles can change the lighting or dynamics in the black and white edit, add color tones (warm, sepia tones or cooler BW tones), or add more rich, deep blacks that give your black and white edits an emotive depth.
Image by Gail Secker Photography
Edited with Quest 27 Serenus 04, BW - Blue Filter Profile from Quest 31 Mythos
What are your favorite Quest sets to mix & match with? Tell us in the comments!