Contrast problems?

[brent]

Hello,
New here, but I have searched for this and I haven't found an answer for my particular prob. I have a Canon Rebel XTi and it just seems that with every photo I take that I need more contrast for my likings. The preview from the camera looks bland and so does the picture on my comp. I usually just use windows picture previewer to spice things up by adjusting contrast to help my pics have that "pop" look. Is there any way of just either being a better photographer for this or a setting on my camera that I might change? I use mainly the 'P' setting on my camera so I don't have to mess with the overpowering flash. I have used manual and it doesn't really help much by taking several pics to adjust the focal length and speed setting. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

-Brent

P.S. If you need examples, I could scour up some for ya.

[AnnaV]

Can you post a photo and we can discuss? Might be easier (and posting a photo would be better than a link pls)

[Gonzo13]

If you haven't changed anything in the picture styles I reccommend hitting the menu button, going to camera settings 2 and adjusting the picture style by using one of the User Def. spots and setting it how you want it. The contrast can be increased or decreased in camera up to + or - 4. It might make it so that you have to do less post processing. If you are shooting in RAW you can do it after the fact in DPP without actually changing the photo as well.

[brent]

Gonzo13: I see what you mean! I was using the Faithful setting which has no contrast at all! I have changed to a user defined with Contrast cranked all the way so I'll see if that helps. Thanks!

AnnaV: Here's two images (before and after) to show you what I meant:

[kencaleno]

First image is correct but hard shadow on guy's face spoils it-second image is terrible blown highlight on girl's hair,and fringing on guy's face also colors are wrong on second pic. Heres what you should have done,but a reflector would have killed that shadow.:Ken

[AnnaV]

Also if you played around with your colour balance you'd get a warmer photo for the first one. You need some light - Ken's idea about the reflector is good,a nd doesn't ahve to be expensive. You can pick up reflectors really cheap on eBay or make your own pretty easily.

Also if you could post your photos in Flickr or attach the EXIF data we could help more