How do I get this coloring effect?

Question

they're obviously different, but they're similar in the sense that the light, natural looking coloring adds a dramatic effect to the photos.

I'd like to know if there's a way to do this WITHOUT using Photoshop...

I like to make it as natural as possible, trying to only use the camera and what I know about angling.

http://flickr.com/photos/jwalhous/364463675/

http://flickr.com/photos/spiicytuna/157546927/

http://flickr.com/photos/street_spirit/200013588/

[ p.s. I'm new at this, so if it's simple, sorry. ]

Answer 1

If you are an amateur photographer, like I am, it may be possible to get really good shots like these...but you have to be there at the right time, and the right place.

What I mean by that is...

Taking photos is a science really. Practicing with different settings and getting the right lighting is VERY important.

Using special software is great, but I prefer a more natural look to a photo. There are many inexpensive photo editing CDs that you can purchase at discount stores such as Dollar General, Big Lots, (if you have these stores near you) and even check Walmart and K-mart. Just look for them! Most of them are user friendly, and don't require a lot of time to download and learn.

There are many things to consider when taking a picture to get the desired effect.

Lighting - Is the light casting through the trees? Does the shadows lay perfectly around a lake? This is where your attention to detail can really pay off!

Subject - Is it scenery that you'd like to shoot? People? Children? Pets? Objects? All of these different subjects can require special techniques to shoot them just right. Shutter speed, the TYPE of camera, and movement are all key factors.

Your Camera - If you are using a digital camera, there are a "gajillion" different things to learn about how your camera works. Practicing is the greatest way to achieve familiarity with your camera. If you don't like a shot, you delete it!! I recommend taking 20-40 minutes to practice, at least once a week!

Example: Shoot THE SAME SUBJECT (a scenery, person, whatever) using every single setting on your camera. Turn the flash on and off. Here's the key to learning....take notes as you practice. Take a self portrait as your first shot. This will be your starting point when you go back through the photos later. Take a picture using the first setting and then use all the settings in order that they are given on your camera. Record which setting you use BEFORE you take the picture. Number all of your settings in your notebook. Download the pictures onto your computer and view them in order. Look at your notes as you view them.

This will give you great knowledge of how you take pictures, which settings are the best for what light, subject, etc.

If you are using a camera that requires film, you will not be able to afford to "waste" any shots.

I highly recommend getting an inexpensive tripod (usually $15 - $30 at Walmart) for scenery shots. They can be a bit cumbersome lugging around, but to get a really still shot, they are priceless! I like using my tripod when I take group shots of people too.

Capturing memories, people you love, places you've been, and simple scenery shots with your camera can be very rewarding. I'm glad you have an interest in photography.

You don't have to be an expert to enjoy the art of photography, you just have to have the desire to learn and the patience to practice!

Answer 2

To me, this looks like the HIGH DYNAMIC RANGE photos that are all the rage nowadays.  There is a wonderful book about this at Barnes and Noble you should go and just flip through.

HDR, as they typically call it is a technique of layering images, and each image is the same identical image with the exception that each one has a different exposure.  One is probably very light / bright, another significantly dark, and a mid range photo, and maybe a few more.   I know this can be done without photoshop, but I have not done it myself. You could google and start researching because I think there is a way.  

Photoshop makes it so incredibly easy, because you only need one photo, you duplicate it so many times.... and make the changes to each photo. Then, you layer them together, and use blending modes to get that interesting effect you see.  

I know Photoshop is expensive, but you should look on ebay, or even craigslist for an "Educational Version" as it sounds like you might be a student. All you need is some form of student ID, and the price is drastically different.  

Thanks for reading!