Need tips for editing these photos

[Emerana]

I dont have photoshop yet but I have paint shop pro and DXO optics pro so I can do most of the processes like PS. I am wondering how to go about editing these photos? I really like them but they are dark...but i want to keep the sunset feeling...I am going for a candid portrait. Thanks for any advice!

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[edtek]

the best thing i could say is bump up the contrast and color, if you gimme a sec i'll give you an example!

 

[edtek]

just use to tools under image,effects! the simplest touch ups could do wonders!

 

[AmericanJesus]

i agree with edtek. =) Thats pretty much all that should be done. MAYBE brighten up the shadows on the faces in the first one.


Washington State represent!

 

[skieur]

Selective brightening and keeping the contrast provides more natural colour.

skieur

 

[RKW3]

The lightings on the two previous edits look a bit too unnatural for me, the baby's face is a little too red too IMO.

Here's an attempt from me using Levels and the Burn tool.