Reducing Harsh Shadow

[Dayna Lyn]

Is it possible to reduce the harsh shadow under her nose? I know it's not going to be perfect but just wondering if it can be reduced? My Aunt died unexpectedly yesterday and unfortunately this is the only recent photo we have of her. I cropped in a lot from a group photo. I do have the original RAW file of this if that helps too. Thanks for any help with this!

[Anna-Lena Ström McGrath]

Can you post a 700x700 crop of that "nose/mouth" area for Damien?  It helps supplying as much as possible, so he can help with the editing right away.  

[Christina Keddie]

I'm so sorry for your loss.

By "original raw file," do you mean a file that was actually shot in raw?  Because it might help if you could process it much more flatly (upping the shadows, etc.) and then starting your PS work from that basis.

[Dayna Lyn]

Yes I took the original photo and shot in RAW. I tried that already, the blacks are dropped down all the way and I raised the fill light to 15. It's still very harsh  

 

This is the 100% crop unfortunately this is taken from a larger group photo. 
 

I'm posting the original SOOR photo too, maybe that will help?

 

[Samantha LaRue]

Are you in Damien's raw class?

[Dayna Lyn]

Yes Samantha I was in his RAW class for many years, my subscription just ended.

[Samantha LaRue]

Aw, I think you'd need to post this in his raw class for the best help. (you can always PM him to renew and get back in the class. You do not need to get on the waitlist again or pay full price) But lets wait to see if Damien has any other suggestions for you.

[Dayna Lyn]

Is there something wrong with my RAW edit?

[Damien Symonds]

Hi Dayna, as the others have said, process your raw file flatter before attempting any Photoshop work on this.