Okay, can't say that my version is any better, but just thought I'd give it a shot.


[img]/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.23.73/girl.jpg[/img]





I adjusted the white balance a bit using curves, softened her face a tad (though not really noticable on a pic of this size), duplicated the layer and chose "multiply" (to make the whole image darker), then added a layer mask so that I could paint only the outer edges darker, and finally added a layer of neutral gray so that I could further darker some spots (basically an alternate way to do dodging and burning). Anyhow, not sure I've improved anything by making her float in a sea of black, but just wanted to see what I could do to remove those harsh flash shadows and cabinetry.