Sky, I really wish I could take credit for it, it was all mother nature. We couldn't have planned that any better. A good camera (Canon 20D) good selection of lenses, and a polarized filter will do wonders. Actually the polarized filter for outdoor pics is a must. They take glare off of water, make all your colors more vivid and protect the lens. Most of those pics were with a Canon 400MM/F4IS lens, lets you get up close and still has the speed in low light situations. The Image stabilizer helps a great deal too. Here is a pic of my Excursion the next morning from the cabin. Keep in mind the filter doesn't make the colors, it just enhances them.