Help with editing a pic?

[DemonLlama]

Can someone help me improve this picture? I just love it, but the lighting is pretty challenging, not to mention the shoulder in the right corner...

(Edited to add: The original file is huge, but now that I see the linked photo here, it's just not as clear)

 

[Gdad]

Here's my try - not much to work with on repairing the corner but I tried to clean it up a little.

 

[AbbysFamily]

My vote.. Unless you really like the 'float', crop in as much as the original allows (don't know how many megapixels this is).

You could do this:

Or if a big enough original -- this:

 

[Debbie6221]

Here's my try - not much to work with on repairing the corner but I tried to clean it up a little.

Gdad you rock! You are so cool!
I knew someone would take this pic on!
I know it's not mine but I love seeing what you talented photographers do!

 

[DemonLlama]

Many thanks! (I just loved the look of wonder on that little girl's face.)

What kind of changes get it lightened up without losing the dark around them?

 

[klmall]

Gdad - How DID you do that? What program and what techniques?

DemonLlama - What a great picture to work with and what great photography! You managed to get a tough shot and convey such feeling! I love it!

 

[Gdad]

I made the adjustments with photoshop. Clone tool for the corner. Shadows/Highlights + Levels adjustment for the lighting.

It's a nice picture- I love the look on the little girls face.