Image processing dilemma

[Manjila]

I didn't take this photo actually.. I did the setiting and told my boyfriend to take the picture.. but I have done some image processing.. Still new to all this.. would appreciate some ideas about the errors..

Exif Datas:
Camera: Sony DSLR-A330
Exposure: 0.013 sec (1/80)
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 50 mm
ISO Speed: 258
Flash: Auto, Did not fire

File Size: 1609 kB
File Type: JPEG
MIME Type: image/jpeg
Image Width: 3880
Image Height: 2608
Encoding Process: Baseline DCT, Huffman coding
Bits Per Sample: 8
Color Components: 3
X-Resolution: 96 dpi
Y-Resolution: 96 dpi
Software: Picasa 3.0
Date and Time (Original): 2010:06:16 12:03:23
Metering Mode: Multi-segment
Focal Length In35mm Format: 75 mm
Image Unique ID: 444008df883bccb406b5adbd0305f2ac
Compression: JPEG (old-style)

[maxe]

Maybe use gaussian blur for the background and add more colour to the woman

[BigFuzzy]

If you were using the b&w vignetting to make the girl stand out from the image, may I suggest shooting with a wider aperture (small f/number) so that it blurs out the background and makes her stand out more. Especially here where the background is so busy.

Do you want more opinions on the photo as a whole, or just the processing?

[Manjila]

Actually I'm new to the photography and image processing.. although I have learnt image processing Its my fist time applying on the photos without anyone's help so I lack in a lot of ways.. I just wanted to know how I could change it to look better!

[Paul Francis Photography]

My professional/honest opinion is that hybrid black and white and color shots are too '80s and '90s and just distracts from the overall look. It is rarely used in a way that looks timeless. If you want to draw attention to the center, I would add a touch of vignetting but not so much that the outside looks blackened. Just a gradual vignette so that the center looks slightly brighter to stand out.

[Manjila]

Thanks for the tip! I'll keep that in mind!