Part 2: Capturing Vibrant Colors

...continued from Capturing Vibrant Colors - Part 1...

When you want to capture vibrant colors, consider the season and the location. Shooting outdoors in the Northeast in the middle of winter might produce a relatively colorless image - overcast skies and leafless trees leave the landscape barren. But that doesn't mean there's nothing to shoot! Far from it! An opening in the clouds near the horizon might let the sun peak through, so be ready for pretty sunsets even in the dead of winter! This shot from Lake Erie's shore shows a vibrant sky and soft, reflected color on the ice in the foreground.
When the landscape seems lifeless, look for elements that stand out. A single bright leaf left over from Autumn's glory days adds a touch of warmth to this chilly shot. If you are in the mood for color, look for bright berries, frosted leaves, and interesting skies this time of year.
Autumn is, of course, the most colorful time of year. Jay took this shot in Colorado's beautiful Snowmass Wilderness when fall colors were at their peak. He used reflections on the lake to fill the frame with reflected color from the trees and clouds.
Knowledge of a location is also useful when you are looking for brilliant color. We scout as much as possible when we're traveling, so that we can get to know the geology and topography of a region. We came upon this location while hiking in the Paria River. Jay composed a brilliantly colored photograph with striped canyon walls and cracked mud in the foreground.
Paria Canyon is equally beautiful in the winter, when the clean, white ice contrasts beautifully with the colorful canyon walls. Notice that the color varies with the direction of light, moisture, and location within the canyon.
continued on Part 3: Capturing Vibrant Colors

Tips for Capturing Vibrant Colors

• Look for brightly colored elements that stand out against barren landscapes
  
• Consider the season - and return at different time of the year
  
• Look for unique geology