Tropical

[El_Musikero]

Hello,

This is the first time to try landscape... i'm not sure how to make the the colors pop, any suggestions with my cam settings / angles that should have been used to somehow improve the shot? Thanks folks.

Camera: Nikon D60
Exposure: 0.006 sec (1/160)
Aperture: f/7.1
Focal Length: 26 mm
ISO Speed: 100
Exposure Bias: -1/3 EV
Flash: No Flash
Exposure Program: Aperture-priority AE
Max Aperture Value: 4.1
Metering Mode: Spot
Light Source: Cloudy
Exposure Mode: Auto
White Balance: Manual
Lens: 18.0-55.0 mm f/3.5-5.6

[rahsoft]

Hi.
1. if possible use a CPL to make the colours stronger. takes reflections off water
2. apply the two thirds rule to composition( not half and half as you have here ), put emphasis on either the water or the sky. Once you get the hang of it , you can choose to disregard the rule as and when it suits you
3 if the trees were the focal point then focus on them with either water or sky to accompany them.
4. to make colours pop, play around with contrast for the sky, water or trees. Try the colour channel in PSP( if you have it ) to boost blue or green.
5. there is a trick for photoshop to use lab mode to boost colours ( article somewhere in DPS by helen bradley )

regards

[doubleconvex]

Among other things, the horizon line MUST be horizontal for a landscape... easy fix in PS. Also, play with the curves. ANd for landscapes, consider using a panoarmic format.

[El_Musikero]

@rahsoft

cool stuff! i'll keep that 2/3 tip in mind. boost green or blue... i'll check it out. Thanks for the tip!

@doubleconvex
Great processing right there... did you use HDR technique?

Thanks for the tip guys!!! really appreciate it.

[El_Musikero]

ayt, here's the edited one, cc guys?

[Laurenbiz]

I agree with the cropping, it looks great - and the HDR is very cool!

I think Rahsoft is talking about boosting colors using LAB color mode to make photos appear as though they were taken with the vibrant 'Velvia' film. I have this Velvia effect saved as an action in my Photoshop :-)

Some info is here:
The Velvia Effect | Photo Effects | PSHERO

[Federico Presti]

Originally Posted by El_Musikero

ayt, here's the edited one, cc guys?

Much better, I was just gonna talk about cropping and curves, but the work here seems to be done. Good job!

[El_Musikero]

Wow... you are right, posted this pic in my facebook. Got positve comments. Learning a lot from this forum Thanks Thanks Thanks guys.