How to give my photo a 'flattened' effect

From what you have written I assume you have posted a scan of an image shot in RAW and brought into Photoshop with your chosen profile. You would like to change it so that the image on the monitor looks more like your second image. If that is your objective, I suggest you create a Curve and save it so that it can be applied later to other images. Here is how:

1. Create a gray scale similar to the one pictured, perhaps a 10-step version, or even use the one shown above.

2. Choose your current full range image. Add the grayscale as a layer and then flatten the image.

3. Duplicate the file.

NOTE: You will use ONLY Curves to arrive at the lower range and contrast you prefer. (In the example below,  perhaps all it required was a reduction in the grayscale d/max from 100 to 77, as shown.)

4. Return to the Full range image and call up Curves.

Note the d/max of the grayscale is 100. Drag down the endpoint and the image range will become flatter. When you are satisfied with that value (in this example:  77) you may find that is all that is needed. In that case, all future images should  use Curves to  produce a d/max of 77.

If the mid-tone values require change, add their individual new values to the Curve. Then, in Curves, change the Preset field to Custom, right click on the gear to its right and save the curve shape as a Preset to be loaded whenever needed.   

hey all, thanks for the tips!

attached is the first image, unedited. in the second i have scanned it in, and what i like about the scan is the flatness of the image. even when i color correct and adjust tones, the image still has a flatness to it that i love. any suggestions without the scanner as i am on the move and cant bring that bad boy with me all the time? 

It's much easier for us to help you if you post:

1: your image

2: a link to an example you’ve found which has the kind of appearance you'd like

I hope this helps

thanks
neil barstow, colourmanagement.net :: adobe forum volunteer
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Could you post examples of what you have and what you want to achieve? 

You first and foremost need to adjust the Gamma, i.e. mess around with the curves/ grey point levels. Compressing the mid ranges drastically reduces the overall contrast. Of course you may need to tweak the colors, also. "Flat" images often appear that way due to not ideal white and black point settings during their capture and the necessary color correction thereafter further reducing the color fidelity.

Mylenium