Suggestions to improve image/skin, background?

[spookie]

Lol, I'm putting myself in the frontline for criticism lol. Several weeks ago, at a family gathering, I loaned my camera to someone and they took this shot. I cropped, but am torn on what it really needs. At this point I would say it's point and shoot quality, but any suggestions on improving, masking the background? Softening skin? Or even revert to B&W? I'm not looking for portrait quality, just suggestions on what you guys think it needs. Thanks beforehand, always willing to learn here, ok, can it be salvaged, bring it on lol.
This may be a once in a lifetime shot of her, that's why I'm wondering about improvements.

[fais54]

I would leave the skin alone honestly. I wouldn't do any softening on it. As far as cropping, I would start at the top of her hair (bottom of picture frame) and then to her elbow. That should look nice. I really like how the colors compliment each other on this shot.

[spookie]

Thanks Fais54. I was rather surprised when I saw this on the card. I did about a 30% crop to bring it to this, there was couch as far as the eye could see, but the subject was great lol. I'll try to tighten the crop and see how she looks. She's about 80, and I'm also hesitant to soften, though she might encourage that lol. She's a sweetheart and always wants to hug and be hugged lol. Thanks again.

Here's a pretty aggressive crop. I also darkened skin tone a touch.

[JFSanders]

I think I would go even tighter and crop the bottom up to her dress cuff. The skin tone looks good but her eyes are soft. May be nothing do to for that though.

Jim

[docxnoel]

Since there is a lot of detail in her face, have you ever thought in converting it into black and white?, I think it will become more powerful shot.

[spookie]

Thanks Jim/ Doc. I will try to play with it some more today as I can. I also wondered about taking to B&W, I will certainly try that. I don't think I have enhanced this, other than crop and skin, She looked a little flashy at first and I may be able to negate the eyes being soft somewhat. I'll post the alterations and what I did, to allow everyone to follow the progress. Thanks for the suggestions and critiques, always welcome.

A good example of trying to salvage a so so image lol.

[spookie]

Ok, spent a minute on this lol.
Very close facial crop with a tiny touch of unsharp mask and and a very small amount of enhance, certainly sharpened the eyes, with the same B&W enhanced version under it. I think as far as crop I'm getting to the pixel level now and can't go any farther. Not 100% sure of the B&W lol, but always willing to try something