There are times when the real color is a gray color, and only touches of other colors can be seen.  In the photo world, these times are often considered "bad light."  I, myself sometimes either avoid taking the picture or come home and prink my brains out, trying to make a better picture from what I took.  I do like applying contrast because it is often what the camera misses that my eyes could see.  But sometimes, the picture is just what it is.  The break of day, bright sun over a misty waterway, fog rising in the Smokey Mountains.  I am not ashamed to share these, and will try to give examles of enhancing them.