Greyish photographs - help

[Lewania]

Good evening everybody. I am new here and I am an amateur and enthusiast of photography. I have Canon EOS 500D and I seem to have a problem with taking photographs outside. No natter if I use a standard 18-55mm or 28-200mm, the photographs seem to be a bit greyish... I thought that it was maybe because of the polarising filter, that the photos are a bit overexposed, but nothing changed when I took it off. I usually use the camera on P option where I change the white balance, depending on the weather and the styles. I am not very advance and confidence in using Manual mode, although I occasionally try to practice taking photographs in TV and AV mode.

There must be something I am doing wrong.and afterwards spend a lot of time processing the photos on the computer so the look more or less presentable.

I want them to be nice sharp, clean and with black that is black...
I really need help and an advice.

Here are some examples.
https://picasaweb.google.com/1055791...42143760202418

https://picasaweb.google.com/1055791...58031708282642

https://picasaweb.google.com/1055791...58009237816306

https://picasaweb.google.com/1055791...57950967759106

[jet_kit]

Hi,
I've had a look at the pictures you posted.
They lack a certain 'punch' but in most respects they are well exposed.
You mention using a Polarising Filter which seems a little odd. The sun is at about 90 degrees to you which should enable you to get the maximum effect, yet the sky looks pretty ordinary.
Can the pictures be rescued? Of course they can. But, first we'll need to know what software your using, then we can help further.

[StephenBatey]

When using a polarising filter, you do have to rotate it to get the characteristic effect (it's done by trial and error).

My first question would have to be - are the filters and lenses clean? Flare (caused inter alia by dust and/or grease/fingerprints) could give some of the effects displayed. On the assumption that flare enters in, make sure the lens is clean; never use a filter unless you have to; always use an efficient lens hood.

[Lewania]

Chris and Stephen - Thank you very much for your reply.

I hope I am able to give you more info on this issue.

I am using Lightroom (version 3 I think) for photo processing. I tried Photoshop Elements 7, but I was getting frustrated all the time as it was not doing what I wanted it to do. I must be too think for it.

I clean and check my lenses and filter regularly. Bought myself a set with some cloths and liquid to do it.

I am aware that I need to rotate the filter to get the best effect.

I have taken some photos over the weekend, just to show again the greyness of the photo.
It is a bit out of focus, but even if it would have been in focus, the greyness would stay...
https://picasaweb.google.com/1055791...74903752163170

I must admit this upsets me a lot and I go to a point when I need to consider going back to Auto setting on my camera.

[greenwing]

It looks about 2 stops overexposed to me. Whether that was your choice (manual mode or exposure compensation) or the camera's meter, I don't know. It certainly looks better when the exposure is wound down a bit. I think the highlights are lost forever.

[JonnyM]

Yes, I agree with greenwing, that last photograph looks overexposed, consequently the blacks are reproducing as grey tones which makes the overall image' washed out'. The previous images don't appear to have a "greyness" to them. Just a thought, your monitor brightness level isn't too high is it?

[hssutton]

I assume you're shooting Jpeg? If so what picture Style are you using.
I can't really you as to which setting to use as I only shoot in Raw, but from your photos on Picasa I would suggest using Landcape.

I see you'e using Lightroom, excellent for Raw files, but can be a little difficult for Jpegs. If you still have Elements I would use that, first of all to set the 'Levels' Then turn the contrast up a little, followed by saturation. This is what I did with your Wales and Peak photos.

Check them out here http://media.digitalcameraworld.com/...6/peak_107.jpg

Harry

[Lewania]

Thank you very much for all your response.

Greenwing - the exposure was not my choice. I keep it in auto setting.

JonnyM - I have checked few website with info on caribrating monitor, so I think it is fine.

Harry - I only shoot in JPGs. I will try to use Landscapes next time. Thank you for your tips and showing me how a photo should look like.