Witch - Craft
by Beetle

Comment:
It could be done within the DPC rules, but the vignette would be exactly centered instead of a little off like I have it, and would take a lot more experimenting to get right. Basic technique is to SelectAll, Border (with a big value like 60 pixels), Feather a large amount, and then fill with black. The color change is tone curves applied to the RGB and Blue channels.
Quick re-do: DPC-Legal

Witch - Craft
by Beetle

Comment:
I went ahead and tried the modifications I suggested. You can see if you like the results here

Point No Point Lighthouse
by robbieh

Comment:
I am definitely not a color expert, but I took the liberty of experimenting with your image to see if I could "do something about the weather."

You can see the result here

Confusion. Which Shall I Choose?
by GolferDDS

Comment:
I bet trying to decide gave you a headache...

Red Sea
by jenarom

Comment:
Nice texture shot, monochrome look is less common in this challenge...

Yuck, this isn't Dandy!
by Sonifo

Comment:
This might have been the only challenge where firing the flash to intentionally get the red-eye effect would have worked...

Primary Friends
by sagestudio

Comment:
These days it shouldn't have been too hard to find a kid with blue hair! You have the rest of it covered...

Divinity
by magnus

Comment:
Not to take anything away from this image, but I don't think the "skewing" you mention in your notes is allowed by normal DPC editing rules.

Intrigue
by Diversq

Comment:
I've posted some roughly executed variations in this portfolio gallery.

Intrigue
by Diversq

Comment:

Originally posted by brentg3: I like: The bright colors Fore and mid ground seems punchy good clear subjects Stuff I don't like: backgound is a bit busy red stairs distracts eye cropping is a bit tight overall microphones messy I dont seem to get a clear idea of what you are trying to say here with this shot? I would like to see the background blurred either with DOF (preferably) or in post processing..

I think the intended feeling is of a little kid enraptured by what is "obviously" exotic (to her locale) music and musicians. But without reading the photographer's comments it's hard to get that feeling -- and the business of the background makes it look like a candid snapshot of an ethereal moment quickly captured.
I actually like the musician peering down between the mic stands to look at the kid; I think it helps convey the impression this is more than a momentary tableau.
I have two suggestions to help emphasize these aspects. I'd change the title to something a little more direct and hopefully recognizable or triggering thoughts of another title; my "best" idea so far is "Fascinatin' Rhythm."
Since the upper right corner is busy, and the lower left empty, I'd create two triangular masks in the corners, and either ghost back (fade) the image in those areas, or fill them with a border color and add explanatory type in those areas (still thinking Postcards), leaving the main subject in a highlighted diagonal stripe.
I'll make up rough examples later if you want...