How to get this effect?

[eddyc]

Hi Guys I'm looking for some post processing advice. I took some portraits for a friend's website and he likes the style on this site:

http://www.venturephotography.com/uk/gallery/

The photos I took were in natural outdoor light (not direct sunlight) and with a stone wall background so I don't think I am going to be able to get very close to this sort of thing!

But if anyone has any advice for achieving this very sharp and stark effect that would be amazing.

I'm using lightroom by the way.

 

[eddyc]

Well I think the client is happy.

I boosted contrast, exposure and highlights and upped saturation a bit. They don't really look like the venture ones but it has at least created a more stylised effect. He didn't expect too much given that this style was not mentioned as an aim when the photos were taken.

I had never heard of venture before this. But I get the impression that they are not considered terribly good...?