Photoshopping bafoon

I know that "real" photographers try to get the image perfect, or close to SOOC (straigh out of camera) so they have to do very little post-production work in photoshop. Good for them. I envy them. But as previously stated, I am a designer who got my hands on a camera and know nothing about it. So, after reading tips from one of my favorite blogs, thepioneerwoman.com I downloaded some of her actions as well as purchased actions from Doug's Totally Rad Actions for the bargain price of $150 and worth every penny just a week in. Here are some before and after shots.
Before
Shutter: 1/50
Aperture: f/3.2
Focal Length: 50mm
ISO: 250

After

Before

Shutter: 1/1600
Aperture: f/1.8
Focal Length: 50mm
ISO: 200

After