Title: Small-Town Photo Tour Idea #6: Playing With Color

The sixth idea is to play with color and you can only be limited by your own imagination. You can capture bright colors with strong contrast or muted colors for a softer look. Either way, try to tell a story at the same time (telling a story is coming soon for idea number eight).

Here are 5 basic tips to follow to capture great color:

Explore Different Times of Day: Different times of day offer different lighting conditions, which can affect how colors appear in your photos. Morning and evening light can cast a warm, golden tone, while midday light tends to be cooler.

1. Try Different Weather Conditions: Don't be afraid to shoot in various weather conditions. Overcast days can provide soft, diffused light that's great for capturing vibrant colors without harsh shadows.

2. Use Colorful Props or Backdrops: If you're photographing a subject, consider using props or backdrops that are vibrant and colorful. These can add a pop of color and make your photos more visually interesting.

3. Take Advantage of Seasons: Each season offers unique color palettes. Spring and summer offer bright, vibrant colors; fall provides warm, rich tones; and winter can offer stark contrasts between snow and other elements.

4. Practice with Phone Apps: There are many photography apps available for smartphones that can help you experiment with color. These apps often include filters and editing tools that allow you to enhance or change the colors in your photos. This can be a fun and easy way to start learning about color in photography.

Mode:
Use Manual or Aperture priority to control the depth of field.

Aperture:
Depending on your goal, use a low aperture to blur the background or a high aperture to keep more in focus.

ISO:
Try to keep the ISO low for better color and avoid noise that is present in photos shot with a high ISO.

Shutter Speed:
I start at 1/50 of a second and adjust from there if you are in manual mode. If you are in aperture priority, pay attention to the shutter speed to ensure you can get a sharp photo

Focal Length:
Use the lens you have. Prime lenses can be a favorite of many photographers for sharper photos and may be a consideration.