pro processing tips

[oceanbeast]

hello i am new here but not to shooting. i am pretty proficient in photoshop but i am never quite happy with my photography when it comes down to processing it. i can never achieve the look i am after.

here are some examples of the treatment i am looking to achieve.

We The Kings on Flickr - Photo Sharing!
Cartel on Flickr - Photo Sharing!
You Me At Six on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

the colors seem desaturated in a way, but vibrant in another, i cant describe it, they look kind of "pastel" to me.

please if there is anyone out there who can lead me towards this technique i would highly appreciate it.

 

[oceanbeast]

anyone know what im even talking about? lol the pictures look in focus but have a soft quality that i cant describe

 

[Moe]

I think the look of the photos have more to do with the lighting than the processing.

 

[Cop J]

I am bumping this one to the top, because I would also like some tips to make my pictures look like these!

 

[barsfordays]

I think the look of the photos have more to do with the lighting than the processing.

QFT

 

[iBats]

I think the look of the photos have more to do with the lighting than the processing.

QFT

+1

 

[Moe]

I must be getting old. QFT is not one I've seen. I had to google it; it has many meanings. I'm gonna assume you guys didn't mean quit f'n talking.

The guy's blog (http://gageyoung.tumblr.com/) has some photos that show his lighting setup, and he has some explanations, albeit not detailed ones like a tutorial would. There are many sites that have educational material regarding lighting. Best place to start would be Strobist