Danny, that looks GREAT! What kind of filter is that? Richard, thanks!!! i sure do like those tones, and i like how the details of their heads/hair are not lost in the background. for my tastes though, it's too flat. would work maybe if i added a glare filter to it? how did you do your postwork? Damia, you're so kind!!! i really do like that! i do use Virtual Photographer and did try some filters on it. which one did you use here, and did you use the standard settings or make your own adjustments? i don't think that's cheating!!!! :) it's still a bit too flat for my tastes, but perhaps a little glare filter on top of it!!! LOL!!!! thanks a bunch! :) Donald, i'll give it a whirl. Kemal's gonna help me try it. i've never used a histogram in postwork before. I know i did copy the image as a separate layer and tried some blending and just could never get it the way i wanted, but i haven't had much experience at doing that. i'll keep trying. Thanks!!! :) Tom, i didn't crop this one so i can't add back the top of her head if i wanted to. i was having a hard time seeing outside...i just asked them to lean their heads into each other's & i didn't realize i cut off part of Pam's head. Prayers and sage would be so much appreciated for my family!! thank you!!! :) ok guys, i will work on this one some more and see what i can do!!!! sure do appreciate all your help!!!!!! :)