a couple black and whites

[jetrim]

Two high contrast conversions from low-key images - too much?

[MB1]

I really like the face image. Both the look and the composition work for me.

The other? Not so much.

In the face shot less than half the image is negative space, the other is mostly negative space and seems like she is leaning over trying to fit into the frame.

[hminx]

The face shot for me, its very cool, but the white around the lips sort of looks like she just had a glass of milk. Agree with MBs thoughts on the second.

[armando_m]

Agree on the comments for the first one

For the second one, it may work better with a tighter crop of just the head, and maybe the neck

[GB1]

I like the bottom one a lot better than the top. Extreme contrast like this is interesting from an artistic standpoint, but can make a model look sinister. Ok, if that's what you want. The bottom one is different and more alluring, probably because of her smile and the curve of the illuminated area. If only we could see her eye(s) a little better.

G

[amorton1437]

I like the first one. A lot. But the second one? IDK, I just wish I could see more of her face.

[gahspidy]

First one works in every way. Possibly the lower lip has some highlight blowout, would be my nitpik, but certainly no deal killer. Love the shot. Hard core contrast and great light
the second one is as soft on impact as it is on focus. the pose looks awkward. I wish to see a bit more of her face and outline around the hair. not quite sharp enough, but really the pose it what brings it down for me.
Still, its not bad, but I'm holding you up to your usually high level of work
good stuff, Jet

[jetrim]

Thanks for the comments, all. Truth be told, I'm not as crazy about the second either. Funny thing though, both shots were taken under the same lighting (single softbox suspended from above on a boom), with models posing on the same funky 45 degree angle back chair. The first girl is actually our Make-up artist; you've seen a lot of her work here, now you've gotten to see her . My suspicion is that the "dead eyes" are what's hurting the second shot the most.