Removing flash induced wall-shadow

[catalyst05]

Hi folks, I hope that someone can point me in the right direction.

I am hoping to touch up the attached photo. I've seen a number of threads on removing shadows that are on top of an individual in a photo, but I'm having a hard time finding anything that describes how to remove the classic 'shadow on the wall' that is caused by a flash.

I was planning on just using pixlr or another online photo touch-up source if I'm able, but if not I can always get my hands on GIMP. Although I don't notice any other glaring problems with this picture, I'm certainly open to suggestions on other ways I should be improving it.

The thing that's frustrating, is that this seems like this should be a simple fix (but then again I don't know much at all about photo editing). In any case I appreciate any help that you guys can offer.

FYI, I attached a shrunken thumbnail, but the higher res one is located at the link provided.

http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/8406/1234567u.jpg

[0lBaldy]

catalyst05, Welcome to RetouchPRO
Hope you enjoy your stay here and make lots of friends.
Poke around, have fun!

Just one of many ways... GIMP will work fine... copied background layer then nudged it a bit... hide all mask then revealed the wall .. had to do it again though..

Sharpened the irises, whitened the teeth, copied the hair line on the left, flipped it made it fit the right... changed that layer mode to darken..

a few more minor touches then done!

[catalyst05]

0lBaldy, thanks for the help! That looks amazing what you've done with the photo.

I'll be honest, I'm still not sure how you did all of that even when reading your description and looking at the screenshot with your steps. I don't know if you have a moment to explain a bit further, but either way thanks for the help!