How could I make this better?

[Jeff176]

Worked on this for a friend of my wife.post.jpg

[Nan]

I just quickly did some selective color changes. I probably got the dress too blue.
Nan

[learninlady]

Heres my attempt.

[learninlady]

My attempt

argh, I was tring to put both in the same post... some days forums are a difficult thing.

[0lBaldy]

learninlady and Nan, How did you do that?

Jeff and I want to know so that we can try and emulate your outcome.. Your steps were....?

[Nan]

Nice one Kate. I meant to scrunch it down more and forgot.
Nan

[learninlady]

giggles Nan: That was the first thing that took my eye so I widened it.
steps:
pspx2 ultimate
smart photo fix (its not so smart
turned down the sat, turned off the focus, deepened the shadows
light/dark darkened the baby on the rights face
skin smooth 75%
color: red/green/blue and tweeked a bit.
I know, my tech terms stink, and Im actually shocked I remembered that much, and I might be leaving something out as I do it as I go.

[Nan]

I'm using PSP X and did a curves adjustment, then did a selective color correction on the baby's face, levels adjustment on the face also. Tried to get it closer to the older childs coloring. Then did more selective color balance adjustments on the clothing. Then a couple of curves adjustments on the baby's clothing to whiten it up. After I finished all of that, I did an auto color fix and suprisingly, it made it better.
I did notice that it looked like the photo had somehow become elongated but I didn't finish fixing that like Kate did. I didn't get rid of the noise either. I'm sure it could be much better with more time.
Nan

[learninlady]

Originally Posted by Nan

I just quickly did some selective color changes. I probably got the dress too blue.
Nan

I like the blue in the dress, this is much crisper.

[Jeff176]

Thank you for the ideas!

[0lBaldy]

Thanks Kate and Nan... You both are very gracious and talented!

[learninlady]

Thank you and your welcome Jeff!
Good job Nan as usual!

[Nan]

Thanks Kate and Olbaldy. Not really talented though, some are easier for me than others. Still so much to learn.
Nan