Editing/software suggestions on 3 month old's portrait

[garcice]

I am a newbie and initially am just trying to take decent photos of my children. I am considering purchasing either PhotoShop Elements 8 or Light Room (the image attached has not been edited with the exception of brightness adjustment in DPP). I think I need to blur the skin, but other than that I don't know what edits should be made (I do realize my DOF is too shallow - her hair is blurred, but other than that . .. ). Therefore I have 2 questions -

1) In addition to softening the complexion, what other edits would you suggest (adjusting sharpness, hue, etc??)?

2) Based on your suggested edits, should I purchase PS Elements or LR (or both) and should I purchase any plug-ins such as Imagenomic Portraiture?

FYI, I took the photo in natural light with my Canon Rebel XSi and EF-S55-260mm lens at 1/32Oth and f4.5.

[Lonnie]

I'd start by working on the lighting before I spent a ton of money on software. Even if you are just using a desk lamp off to one side, or maybe window light. The lighting in this photo looks really flat.

What was your focus point? The eyes look a little soft, but the tip of the nose and the lips look more in focus.

[garcice]

Thanks for the feedback. I know what you mean about the lighting - I like natural light and took this on a screened-in porch, but it was an overcast day. I haven't figured out how to add additional light to natural light without the tones conflicting - need to work on that! I was trying to focus on the eyes, but the little stinker was moving quite a bit so you are right, I think I missed and they ended up a little softer than the nose and lips. I really appreciate the C&C - I'm really wanting to learn!

[juanpafer]

Hi garcice.
I think you can't go wrong with either software. Both are great. But there is a lot you can do just with DPP. I would suggest exploring it a little bit more before buying any software.
Regarding the image, the focus is not in the eyes but more in the tip of the nose and the dress, so I would sharpen a touch. The color has a magenta cast, so I would white balance carefully.
The DOF is shallow but that is what you want in most portraits! A sharp eye with a creamy background...
I would also suggest to shoot from a lower point. Get the camera to her eye level and you will get a more appealing look.
BTW, beautiful baby!