I've been working on this photo off and on for several years, but never happy with my results. This is my latest attempt after learning a little more about blending modes.

any suggestions to make it even better?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v185/RRRSJM/Miscellaneous/critique.jpg

Hate to say it but imho you have made the image too light.

I copied you picture and just added a curve layer - no adjustment to curve - changed layer mode to screen. merged to a new layer, added curves layer again but masked to only affect the shadows.

Christine

Without knowing what you're trying to achieve, it's hard to give an opinion on your image. The one thing that did'nt sit right with me was the highlights in the child's eyes. They seemed a little bright. Also the highlit area on the child's sleeve is a bit blown out.

A quick shadow & highlight adj,levels,usm.

To me it looks like you have done a very good joy overall, but i agree with Gary about the childs eyes. But this is only a minor detail that you can correct without any problem.
Keep up the good work, and don't be too critical of your work.
Wayne

thanks for all the suggestions. I guess I did get a little carried away with the unsharp masking on the child's eyes.

I'll fiddle around with it some more. :)