Help with colors

[flam79]

Hi, I'm sure many of you have seen this site.

http://www.pbase.com/sdommin/favorites

I think the owner of this these pictures is evens a member of this forum as well. These are very inspiring photos but I have a quick question.

How did the artist achieve such vibrant colors and how did the artist keep the sky looking very defined and sharp?

Is this some sort of filter?

I'm currently using a Rebel XT and I just got back from a japan trip. None of my photos are even close to this and I shot in every possible setting and lighting.

Thanks in advanced for those who help.

[PhotosGuy]

None of my photos are even close to this and I shot in every possible setting and lighting. Depends on the cam settings & the image mode you set to start.

PS can be your friend... or your enemy! Some of those, like this one...
http://www.pbase.com/sdommin/image/11952877
...can be very complex for the beginner to do, but there are a lot of tutorials on the net. Here, too. See the stickys at the top of "Post Processing".

[flam79]

Hey thanks for being the only one that posted to my question.

Would a UV filter help?

[PhotosGuy]

It might reduce some long distance haze & will protect the lens but, other than that, no.

[MTalley]

I know it's not the end-all answer, but a Circular Polarizer will help a lot outside. Other than bluer skies, you'll get greener trees, for example. Buy a decent pair of polarized sunglasses and wear them for a while on a sunny day. Take turns pushing them up so you aren't looking through them and then letting them back down so you are.

See the difference in the leaves on the trees? They're darker green and the grass is more "vibrant". Same can probably be said of flowers and other non-green foliage. Plants reflect a lot more sunlight at you than you realize.