"The one thing i wish was different about this picture is that he was looking up alittle more to get rid of
the harsh shadows under his eyes"
Well I did what you specified,
Now you want blue in his eyes and shadow on his mouth removed!
I liked the original as is. It is purposeful, impish and immediate fun.
I see from the retouch forum you could have done that too and more.
Without flash, I can't see any other way unless you have an overcast sky.
Even then, summer, remember, when you see the real live boy, you already know he has those sky blue eyes and they are associated with him in your minds description of him.
A reflector might have helped but make it waterproof!
Asher