Sleeping baby

[metoo]

I'm VERY new to photoshop and just wanted some critique on this image. What could i have done better? Did I over do it? Any tips or advice?
Mods, I don't really want a critique on both images. I only posted the original to show what I was working with (not the greatest pic to start with) If you want me to remove it I will.


Original by meetooo, on Flickr
This is the original.
EXif Data:

Camera Canon EOS Digital Rebel XS
Exposure 0.033 sec (1/30)
Aperture f/1.8
Focal Length 50 mm
ISO Speed 800
Exposure Bias 0 EV
Flash Off, Did not fire
Here's my second attempt at a fix for this photo after reading up about how to fix exposure issues, and layer masks a bit more. I can't remember everything I did, but I know I fixed the exposure by using the screen to add more layers, then I adjusted the lighting a little more in levels, I added a bit of a pink tint (not sure if I should have done that), The baby has excema on her face, so I used the healing tool and a blur mask to smooth the skin a bit (is this the best way to do this?). I'm really just looking to learn so any advice would be great.


Fix 2 by meetooo, on Flickr

Oh and it seems I always notice messy noses AFTER I get the pictures what's the best way to edit that out? LOL

[chicagojohn]

Originally Posted by metoo

I'm VERY new to photoshop and just wanted some critique on this image. This is the original.
EXif Data:

Camera Canon EOS Digital Rebel XS
Exposure 0.033 sec (1/30)
Aperture f/1.8
Focal Length 50 mm
ISO Speed 800
Exposure Bias 0 EV
Flash Off, Did not fire

I like the first image because it conveys the feeling of late evening or very early morning better than the second one, which suggests more of a mid-day time frame.

I like the bokeh you achieved using a wide aperture to reduce depth of field, causing the subject only to be in focus, thereby causing that to attract the attention of the viewer.

So, in summary, I don't think there is anything wrong with the contrast or luminance of the first image that needed to be "fixed": Think about what the viewer would expect to see and try to meet that expectation; do you want to show a girl sleeping or oversleeping?