First pic... need some advice/feedback.

[JAB]

First a thanks to Hannie for the rapid response and the Pbucket tutorial. 

The top is the original... bottom partially restored.  Here are my issues.  I cannot tell a thing about the child's feet... shoes or no ...I don't have a huge issue with recreating... but this seems to be too much of a guess. (at least for me). 

I've had this image for a while and I feel like I need to either move on a heavy fix or pass it on to someone with better chops. 

My skins's pretty thick... lay in with any advice, critiques etc.  And thanks!

[Pat]

What you have done so far is pretty amazing JAB.  It would be a shame to give it up now.  Kind of looks like sandals on the feet to me.

[Bambi]

I agree, you've done too much to turn back now. I have moments when I'm sure I'm in over my head on every photo. I post to Forum and ask for help (check), then go for a walk or swim. When I walk away and do something else, I often think of an approach I haven't tried.

Have you checked all the channels to see if there is detail for the shoes anywhere? I always check all 10 channels—RGB, CMYK and Lab. Surprising what you can find.

Bambi

[Judy]

Jab,

Before the other comments I thought sandals --

I think you have done such a great job, and it obviously represents hours of work (or I would imagine so).  Just punt with the small guess.  I am sure the face and the overall expression of the picture is a lot more important that the brand of shoes.

Just my own opinion, but I do think you should honor the hours and wonderful work you have done by finishing it and not letting some shoes be your Waterloo. (Bambi's suggestion of walking away for a while is a good one too!)

Judy

[JAB]

Okay all and thanks, I'll hit it again... feets don't fail me now!  Cheers!