Art school

not so sure if this works , she seem to be a bit out of place in this wonderful environment

while I agree with you I also disagree it is an interesting contrast. She was on stage in front of a group of students trying really hard to be the pose, so there is that element of tenseness. I do think once I translate the image to palladium it will soften a bit....

I would offer a third perspective. (That's what photographs are about, right?) I see the photograph as a studio of beautiful objects on walls and pedestals. Isn't the model's presence in that space meant to suggest that the woman is herself an object of beauty, sat upon a pedestal, surrounded by other beautiful objects sat upon pedestals? I see no effort to humanize her. That's not the point. (At least, as I see the photograph.) Depending on your point of view, it could be seen as commentary on how art and society objectify women ... or it could be offered as evidence of the point. In that vein, the model's comfort or discomfort could lend weight to either point of view. I see the model's position and bearing as mirroring the bust on the pedestal behind her. Does it work? It brought me back for a second look, and then provoked me to think and to leave an extended comment here. It worked well enough to engage me. I'd say "Yes."

the point of "softening" is great , it would lessen the fight for attention between subjects....it would bring her forward