Why are my photos lack of highlights and shadow?

[kencaleno]

Hi I just added a little "match color" and a local contrast enhancing to your pics-If you want better color/brighter images, here is the optimum way to set up your camera:

a) Shooting Menu:

-Image quality -Fine
-Image size -Large
-ISO Lowest
-White Balance Varies with light temperature (See White balance section)
-Sharpening -0
-Color mode-111a(max)
-Saturation-(normal)

b) Custom ( Pencil ) Menu:

-Auto focus -AF-A
-AF Area mode- central
-Flash Level - 0 -0
-AF Area- Auto
-ISO Auto - Off
-EV Step 1/3
-Bracket set-On
-AE-L/AF-L -L
-AE Lock- Off
-Flash mode - TTL
-Self-timer - 2 Seconds

The reason I did not suggest boosting in-camera saturation to maximum, is because colors will tend to bleed over edges.

Regards,Ken

[oktronic]

Hi Ocean, and welcome!

I think that white balance might help alot.I noticed both pictures need white balance fixed, the kitty appears too cool, and the second picture appears too warm. If you are processing in raw, just play with the white balance post processing, or try to force the setting on the camera to "daylight" or cloudy. see if it gives you the desired result.

hope that helps!