Daniel: you are embarking on a great exploration into portraiture, and as usual, doing exquisite work. Of course, having a beautiful model with whom to work does not hurt! I would, however, like to see the model's eyes in slightly sharper focus.
Regards,
Dan
Thank you, everyone, for your comments. This was taken with a diffuse focus lens wide open (Steve- the same one from photostock), so I've traded sharp delineation for a soft glow- perhaps too much so. Vinny, I see what you mean about the hot spot, although looking at the print, it's not nearly so glaring as in the scan: need to learn how to scan better