Colours that "pop" ?

[steveatesh]

This may seem a simple question to you experts and my apologies if that is the case.

I have often read the expression "make the colours pop" which regard to post production work, or something similar whereby colours apparently "pop".

Specifically, what does "pop" mean in this context? What is different about a photo with colours that pop and one that does not?

Is it simply a question of turning up the global vibrancy by itself, or a combination of many adjustments? Or does it refer to adjusting some colour but but not others ?

Sadly my software does not have a " Pop" slider or button, so I have no doubt it will be yet another skill to learn - but is it as simple as sliding up the vibrancy?

[RobDickinson]

I dont often add vibrancy, its all about levels.

Think of a gradient that goes from black to red to white like this.



Look where the colour is most strongest.

Its all down to levels and exposure, and shooting at the right time.

Get the whitebalance right , auto will kill colour, get it exposed properly , and it should pop.

[steveatesh]

Thanks Rob, I knew it wouldn't be as easy as turning up vibrancy!
off to play with some photos, I appreciate your advice.