Mood in black and white

[picturetaker1239]

What do you guys think of this one?

[Stephen Lutz]

I think it is too centered in the frame, and could use some jacked up contrast to make it more moody. Here's an example of what I'm talking about.

[SmartWombat]

I wish you'd managed to get the subject's head in the frame !
I think the contrast is right on my monitor, I don't like the over-contrasty version with the blown-out whites and no shadow detail at all.