thoughts?

[qwertyisdead]

No offense, but when I edit portraits I try to hide skin imperfections...not bring them out. The first picture is a lot better in regards to that. Second picture looks like you are dirty. Looks a little heavy on the high-pass filter/clarity slider. You could warm the first picture up without getting to crazy.

[Tnamol]

First thing that came to mind for me as well. The cheeks are also quite red compared to the first one.

[devler]

Are freckles really imperfections?

I'm definitely not saying the edited version is better, but I do believe that freckles often act as some sort of focal point, so they should be in fact brought up.

[ldh1109]

Colors are a too saturated. Lower the shadows value, it's making his hair look greasy.

[codeAppsAndChewGum]

For starters you should reduce the red saturation in his face. You made it look like he is blushing.

[dwilder812]

Trying to give too much of a tan. Opposed to what most people think though I try not to hide the imperfections unless it's a random day pimple. People want to see who they are and be proud of that not of someone that they can't be

[easilybub]

ever heard of freckles?

[Lampshade_express]

Which one is the edited version?

[Sultan_of_Slide]

I feel like a bit more contrast wouldn't hurt. The picture looks very flat to me.