Learning with flash and CS2

[ggt1_02]

I recently purchased a 430EX and have been playing around a little bit. This is a shot I took of my wife today. It was probably the best I took of her. Picture was shot in Jpeg, I usually shoot in Raw but was just messing around. The flash was not diffused but was bounced off of ceiling. In CS2 I applied a skin softening technique I read in Scott Kelby's CS2 book, whitened eyes(to remove contact lens line), and applied a small amount of USM.
Any C&C is welcome. I am a newbie when it comes to flash and PS, so any help is appreciated. Don't worry about my feelings, I can take it.

(Photo posted with expressed permission of my wife!)
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2166/2206479184_9b83c34395_o.jpg

[chauncey]

I like this picture, it makes your wife look like Angie Harmon. And I like darker colored images.
The histogram is shifted right and in this case I think it belongs there.

[Dramatis]

First of all, which of Scott Kelby's skin softening techniques are you using? It looks GREAT! Very soft and devoid of that mannequin skin look. Bravo!

On to the other points! I does look underexposed to me, which works with the mood. My only problem with the underexposure, such as it is, is that you lose a lot of detail in her hair. Shadow/Highlight in PS might be able to help with that. Eye whitening looks good except for the bit of red you left in the corner of her left eye. That one point is catching my eye.

[ggt1_02]

I did not realize the red spot in the corner of the eye. I cloned it out and reposted the shot above.
...which of Scott Kelby's skin softening techniques are you using?
Thank you. I used the advanced skin softening technique. I tried the other techniques first and they didn't quite cut it. They made it look fake. I wanted to use a shot that was slightly underexposed. Her hair wasn't perfect.

[goforphoto]

I think it is a nice capture, I would adjust the curves a bit though.

[JakPot]

I think it is a nice capture, I would adjust the curves a bit though.

it looked a little dark to me as well.

[ggt1_02]

Thanks for the advice.

[bluesmap]

nice advice given. i could use some of these techniques.
hi-five all around

[flyfisher x]

You've convincd me to go out and get a external flash!!! I liked the original even though it was a little dark, the colors were nice.

[davo_robbo]

love the skin tones, first shot was really nice even if it was a tad underexposed.. i've been dying to add a 430ex to my gear :)