Photoshop Elements 10 How Did I Do?

I just picked up PSE 10 when B&H had it for $49. I installed it tonight and spent some time working on a test shot. Here's a before and after post process attempt. How did I do?

Straight out of camera JPG

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7133/6...6fef1b2a83.jpg
2012_04_22_4399 by dthrog00, on Flickr

Post processed in PSE 10

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7254/6...512a77f5b9.jpg
2012_04_22_4399_pse10-final crop by dthrog00, on Flickr

Process:

a) Create backup of background image
b) Trace cardinal using quick selection tool and carefully outline the bird, create layer from this via cut (from background copy)
c) Create adjustment layer on cardinal and adjust levels to make red and black colors pop
d) Duplicate the cardinal layer and apply unsharp mask
e) Move background copy to top of layer tree, create adjustment levels layer and slightly adjust background
f) Crop using rule of thirds with the bottom left quadrant in the cardinal's chest and save to a JPG format

final layer tree is:

adjustment layer levels on background copy
background copy
adjustment layer level on cardinal
sharpened cardinal
cardinal
background

Any tips?

Thanks
Dave

Dave,
I really like the picture.
I am not an expert, but I think you did the right things - just a little bit too much. Too much red and black, too much contrast, and it looks a little oversharpened. I know one can get carried away in the process sometimes ...

And what did you adjust on the background? Just levels? I think that was not necessary.

Cropping is good, unless you want to crop really tight, so that you can't see the end of the branch.

just my 2 Euro Cents, let's hear the experts :-)

Arnt

Amazing capture, just as he is taking off.

As long as you are photoshopping him, it would look pretty funny to cut him out, tilt him just slightly more upright, and paste him onto a desert scene. Instant red Roadrunner. BEEP-BEEP!

I like your edit, nice work Dave.