Help me with a Photo Tip!!! How Do I get this look??? (Canon, polarizer)

[jefftpr]

Hey all!

I use a Canon 40D, love the camera!
But I'm having trouble getting a certain look out of it.
No matter what lens or settings I try, I can not get this look out of it.
Could some one please give me some tips on how to get this look out of my camera.

I love the darker tones and colors of this picture (Not Mine, just a perfect example of what look I want)

thanks

[hankejp]

Are you using a polarizer on the lens?

[ShepsMom]

Photoshop! It is obvious.

[jefftpr]

No I have not used my polarizer lens yet. Good Idea!
I also thought about photoshop or editor programs however I was not sure.

[raven302]

It definitely looks like "post work", I personally use GIMP. I've tried several times to get into PS but I'm always left feeling crippled...

[jefftpr]

GIMP is ok I use CS3, but lately mostly Aperture.

[ShepsMom]

Also, this is not your photo, so you shouldn't be using it in your post, but provide a link to the original location of this photograph.

[photonoob]

I can get that effect with my Rebel XT. We should trade cameras!

[mathjak107]

looks like simple dodging and burning in post processing... making spots darker and others lighter...im not seeing anything special here unless im missing it

[kdog]

The "darker tones and colors" are simply a result of proper post processing. First set levels with a good black point, and possibly curves boost. Maybe a little bump in vibrance or saturation to taste. I see nothing in that shot that suggests dodging and burning. All told, the processing on that shot wouldn't take more than a minute in Photoshop. If you want a similar affect straight out of the camera, jack up your in-camera contrast and saturation settings. Although, there's no substitute for good post processing.