There are lots of presets in the browser, or you can use the wizzard. They create new scenes, you can cut and paste your creation in them. Crisp outdoor lighting could be created by using HDRI lighting, or good skylight settings, that uses the sun, just like in reality. Indirect Lighting can also add greatly to realistic looking outdoor renders. The plastic look of figures can also be a matter of shading/texturing of course. Do you have experience with HDRI lighting?