It’s been a while, so I thought I would add another before and after picture, and explain what I did. 
This is the picture SOOC:
Not bad to begin with, but this is where a lot of my time comes in, in making ART from just a photograph. This is where a lot of our time as photographers is. Making photos, ART.
So here is what I did.
I lightened the picture some, adjusted the contrast, and then burned the areas around her so she would stand out. Then I sharpened the photo a little. And now the final picture looks like this:
Even better, right?
Anyway..I will try to do more before and afters. Especially as I am having more time to “play” with photos
Enjoy! And let me know what you think!
honestly
Edit: I replaced the after photo with one that I fixed the halo on. Thank you guys so much for your feedback! I was able to fix the halo with a little burning.
Love it! She does have a slight halo of light background around her. Did you use Lightroom or Photoshop?
Great image, the composition is great. The halo is distracting to me, too, though.
Looks great I love the after!
Love it! I agree with the halo comment though.
You are amazing! I love how you made the colors pop without taking it too far. Love the leading lines of the composition too.
Keep being your fabulous self!