Reed, stones and water

[frankeleveld]

It's amazing what light can do... I shot this:

http://frankeleveld.com/picture_library/DSC_2133.jpg

and several seconds later, this:

http://frankeleveld.com/picture_library/DSC_2135.jpg

The first one has more vibrant colors. The sun went behind a cloud when I shot the second image, but there's still something to it I like... Any suggestions from you guys how to liven up the second image a little?

Thanks for any input.
Frank

[Snarfy]

Using photoshop, selectively adjust the hue/saturation for each color to maximize contrast and color saturation. also, try adding even more contrast using the shadow/highlight adjustment.

beyond that, you might try overlaying a copy of the image on itself.

[YosemiteJunkie]

#1 does it for me. Great shot.

[Snarfy]

Right, and I like #1. The closer distance and wider angle works a lot better.

[frankeleveld]

Thanks for your help. Highly appreciated!

beyond that, you might try overlaying a copy of the image on itself.

Do you generally use any kind of layer mode when doing this? For example, do you select 'Color Burn' or something like that? I've tried the overlaying technique with the color burn mode set to low transparency and fill levels (somewhere around 30) in PS on this image:

http://frankeleveld.com/picture_library/DSC_0812-kastelletch.jpg

Kastellet Church, Copenhagen, Denmark

I also used dodge and burn here, to lighten up the shadows on the left and enhance the contrast somewhat. It's the first image I spend some time tweaking on in PS.

[Snarfy]

I tend to use soft light or overlay and adjust levels afterward.

[D2Xs-er]

I like using curves and the graduated filter when working with skies. You can also use a selection tool in the areas you want hue/saturation/contrast adjustments in, and just adjust that area. I also like to use a circular polarizer on bright days, and a UV filter at all times. Here are some before and after images tweaked with curves and the graduated filter.

[frankeleveld]

Thanks for your help guys! I'll have a go at it.

[JeromeL]

i agree with d2x and snarfy. i mainly use the curve adjustment though and have recently played around with using multiple layers.