first photo post

[MsT]

Hello,
This is my first retouch attempt of my friend. I want to enter her in a local portrait competition as she is so beautiful and somewhat of a local celeb playing in a band that's made it to England on its merits. Any tips of where to crop or anything else that could be improved would be greatly appreciated. Please go easy you scary pro bunch and excuse my uploading skills hope its ok
B

[MsT]

Or is this image a better choice?

[Aleksman71]

Where I would crop.

[BROWNEE]

Here is my try

[Flora]

Hi MsT,

.... I think that the second picture you posted is absolutely great!!!!

Both stunning picture and girl in it!!!!

[Biwa]

I think the frames are distraction in the background, you might try removing those.

[Algarve Images]

As usual i've gone for a different look, felt the bg was distracting so replaced it with neutral grey to start, then got inspired a bit...
I presume her name is Olga lol

[MsT]

Originally Posted by Algarve Images

As usual i've gone for a different look, felt the bg was distracting so replaced it with neutral grey to start, then got inspired a bit...
I presume her name is Olga lol

wow!that is awesome

[crazyfly1]

OK, this is one of those times I maybe should keep my opinion to myself. Really pretty girl. I like the second pic better. The first one, when I first looked, I thought Cyclops.
The angle? I don't know, I just don't think the first shot does her justice at all.

[timmy1729]

Take my very unexperienced and very un-knowledgeable opinion with a grain of salt, but I think shooting somewhere between the first and second picture would look nice. The first seems a bit too wide and the second seems a bit too close. I also agree that the backdrop in both is a tiny bit "busy." But, she is a very nice looking girl and took a really nice couple of pictures. Good luck in that competition!

[0lBaldy]

My tips... (or suggestion) for the first pic