After the long winter , I’m looking forward to getting outside more to photograph the Spring landscape. If you haven’t done any winter photography, you may feel like your photography skills have become a little rusty. Here are a few tips to bring you back up to speed:

• Re-familiarize yourself with your camera and the controls
• Re-read your user manual
• Check all your gear to make sure it is in good working order
• Make sure your lenses are clean

Don’t wait for the perfect photo opportunity, put on something comfortable and get out there and shoot. You will be back in the swing in no time.

One color will look different depending on the color with which it is surrounded.

The same color in a block will look lighter than it will as a line.

When two shades of one color are placed together, the lighter one will appear lighter and the darker one will appear darker than the actual colors appear if seen separately.

Light colors will look lighter on a dark background than on a light one and dark colors will look darker on a light background than on a dark one.

If you are planning to use colored text, make sure it is legible. We have all seen websites with a colored background and colored text that is impossible to read over that background.

These visual effects are important to keep in mind when choosing your color schemes. Experiment with color and be aware of how colors interact. Look at various color schemes in magazines, websites and in artwork. Notice which colors grab your attention and how the combination of color makes you feel.

Above all, have fun!