If you’re shooting in the harsh afternoon light, an easy way to make any shot just a little better is to use a Circular Polarizing filter. These filters are available for both SLR cameras and point and shoots, and can make a world of difference. They increase the saturation of colors in harsh light, and darken the sky. They also reduce the glare of reflected light, such as light reflected off of rock walls, or water if there is any around.
About this photo: This is a shot of Rob Bauer climbing Pigeon Pile Pinnacle (5.10d) at North Table Mountain, in Golden, Colorado, October 2009. This is a classic winter climbing spot, and as soon as the snow starts melting, we’ll be back again!