Help with photo

[zan29]

I've been trying to edit this photo but can't get the results I want. I must admit I'm not very good at this. The dark shadow on the left sleeve and face are not coming right. Does anyone have any suggestions ?

[CarverJerry]

Are you trying to carve in wood or do a lithopane?

[zan29]

I haven't carved it yet cause I know it won't come out right!

[Ilonaco]

I used photoshop and photoshop essentials to "even out the lights and darks so the range was narrower. On the dark areas, I lighten them a LOT. By making the blacks greys, it doesn't cut so deep. Then I use a gaussian blur on it to get rid of the "sharp cuts" and even it out more. I also use a narrow depth. Seems to work for me.