Help - Not sure hor to remove darkest areas

[jomantha]

Ive gone from this


DSC_1653 by jomantha, on Flickr

to this


DSC_1653 by jomantha, on Flickr

to this


DSC_16531 black and white copy by jomantha, on Flickr

I think I am going to use the black and white one (exhibition for college), but I would like to reduce the darkness of the darest areas in the background, I have tried all sorts of things (elements 8), but they are affecting the rest of the photo and it is only a few specific areas I would like to lighten, such as the top left and top right corners??

Any ideas how I can do it, without affecting anywhere else??

Thanks

 

[Kerioak]

I cannot see any difference between the first two. However I don't find the dark area distracting at all, it set's off the wing nicely - instead of trying to lighten the background how about making it a little darker. If Elements 8 has a dodge/burn option this might work for either way

 

[jomantha]

Thanks I think I posted wrong link!! I will try both, darkening and lightening and see which I prefer.

 

[swanseamale47]

Does elements 8 have select colour range with highligh midtone and shadow options?

 

[jomantha]

I think that is in the enhance lighting, shadows and highlights, there is a midtone contrast slider there.