help with editing...maternity self portrait

[Marija]

Hi!
I took this self portrait few days ago. It wasn't easy because I don't have much equipment, no tripod, no remote control, no flash...basically, just myself, the camera, light trough window and comfort of my bedroom.
PP I did on the photo - background, levels, dodging (applying white brush on a transparent layer) color balance, converting to bw.
The problem is the lower part of the photo where my hands are. The part of my belly and hands are too dark compared to the rest of the body.
Can this be fixed? I tried, but I just don't know much about editing.
Feel free to edit the photo, but be sure to write the steps you did
Thank you!
P.S. Do I have to have off-camera flash in order to get good photographs of my coming baby? She'll come in November, winter, and we'll be in door constantly for a certain time...

a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marijasmnj/4886155086/" title="27weeks by marijasmnj, on Flickr">

Camera Olympus E-520
Exposure 0.25 sec (1/4)
Aperture f/4.5
Focal Length 18 mm
ISO Speed 200
Exposure Bias +1 EV

[prince]

You might want to try masking. Assuming you are using PS..
Duplicate the layer
Add Adjustment layer for Curves and brighten the dark area
Press Alt and click on the "Add Layer Mask"
Then use a white brush to paint off the area to your liking

If you have an off-camera flash with a diffuser that will help a lot or else you'll have to be very selective with available light and wait for the right time.

Hope this helps. Someone else might have an easier way.

[Marija]

your advice gives the same result as dodging the area.
I tried that but then I get "soft" hands... is that better then being darker?
this is the result
It's not a good editing work. I was in a hurry to do that just to show how soft hands look afterwards.

[prince]

Better, but not quite what I'd prefer and probably what you want. I will try playing with it tonight and post it.

You can push the curves little more may be..

[Marija]

I'm sure you can do it better, because I don't know much ...still learning basics...
Thank you!

[prince]

At least you are learning. I was there once where you are now

[Life in Motion]

i'm finding it hard to manipulate this image...would you mind posting the original non-processed image...i would like to play with it and see what i can come up with...

[Marija]

I'm too embarrassed to post original. too much wrong things on it

[Life in Motion]

Originally Posted by Marija

I'm too embarrassed to post original. too much wrong things on it

I can respect that no worries....

[Marija]

thanks...I presumed you're gone...
I've never thought I'd say, "No, I'm not posting the original" but for this one...huh..now I feel guilty for asking for help but not providing everything I can....