Most people won't believe me when I tell them that to get good color saturation, the sun is the enemy. High noon sun will especially wash out color due to very high contrast. To understand this, take a photo of a red or yellow flower from the same angle during overcast and sunny skies, keeping all color settings equal. The truth will be self evident! If shooting in sun, use a diffuser like a white sheet, photo reflector or even shade overhead (noting there will likely be a blue cast over everything in the shade). Another method of obtaining quality color is to use a circular polarizer (linear versions will disable or confuse a camera's autofocus mechanism). A lot of beginners assume that a polarizer is only used to deepen blue skies and cut glare from water or glass. What is more however, the circular polarizer will strengthen any colors, especially if shot perpendicular to incoming light or sun rays. As with any filter, you're adding more glass in front of the lens, so get the good stuff. For a 72mm filter, expect to fork out at least 100 bucks, so take care of it and treat it like a quality lens!
Two additional methods for deepening color; ensure you shoot with the sun at your back and at a low angle to cut glare, especially if you do not have a polarizer, and wet objects will be more colorful than dry ones. Shoot a green leaf dry and then wet for comparison.
In sum, to maximize color saturation, keep this small checklist in mind:
- shoot in diffused sunlight or cloudy weather
- use a good quality, circular polarizer
- keep your back to the sun (even if skies are semi-overcast)
- wet is better than dry
Get out there and make some images and submit or discuss your findings here!
Cheers!
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