Help with adjusting shadows

[DiggityDash92]

I took this picture of my foster dog today, and thought it would be a great practice shot to work on my photoshop skills

Here's the original:

It is very washed out and a little overexposed.

Here's my edit so far:


I think that one makes her color much more vibrant.

The biggest issue I have is the lack of contrast of her snout against her chest. What PS tricks are there to fixing this?
I'm JUST beginning my PS experience, so go easy on me

Thanks!

[edbayani]

you did increase the overall contrast but the steps in the background is too bright. about the snout and the tongue of the dog, there is no other way since the snout has no detail but to use the clone tool and the dodge and burn tool, varying size and sharpness and opacity.
you can also make the steps darker with the clone tool. and a lot of patience.

[Sterling]

Wow! That's impressive edbayani.

[edbayani]

thanks, sterling!

[DiggityDash92]

That does look really good! I love shooting down by the river, but occasionally you end up with a way overexposed picture.

Thanks!