Elena originally

Well, this version is nice, too! I am not sure which I like better, but I'm leaning toward the halo-y one.

This is nice too, but I'm distracted by the folds in the material of the background. Without that ...hmm... difficult, they work in different ways (I like the simplicity of this one). Both have quite a painterly feel to me but if that's what you're after, maybe the other has a little something extra

Cate

(as always, being the non-conformist) I like this image so much better than the other! ...three perfect shades of grey.

Well here's another non conformist. I much prefer the contrast between the lady and the background in this one. She stands out here. OK the folds are a little distracting but that could be fixed for next time.

Actually if the definition of conformity is what I think most books on portraiture seem to say on contrast between clothes and background then this is conformity and its like the rules of thirds. By all means break the rules for improvement but ask yourself if you really gain anything by so doing.

If i was investing money in these shots for sale to Joe Public, I'd back this one with more confidence.

Me too, without the folds it is a very nice photo. For me, the other one looks like its had to much work done to it.

As a sidebar, it's nice to see a gal that doesn't need her top off to be attractive

Mike

To each his own, but to me being nude doesn't add anything to the photo.

I'm not anti nude photo's, just think it is over done.

I also would think most of those you take portraits of would rather appear at their best.

Mike