looking for input

Hi William.
Good on you for giving these a go! We all start from somewhere. So, here's my feedback.
Top Shot: You have captured her head. End of story.
I'd like to suggest that a sage of old once perceptively said.."The eyes are the lamp of the body". With those sunnies on, my eyes then move to the hair over the glasses with nearby overexposed forehead and chin, then are pulled left by what looks like a white pipe of some description. All of these elements are distractions to the main story (her face and it's expression) which is partially hidden....leaving a nice gentle smile VS all the distractions.
SO, figure out what the 'main thing' IS in your image, then aim to strip away from the image all that distracts. Simply, simplfy, simplfy. Once it's working better, think exposure, focus and then expression. If you can, practice this every day for three months. No camera required, just a finger frame held in front while you mentally compose the image. A cell phone works great too.

Bottom Shot:
No background distractions here! You've got some light in the eyes and some expression on his face which works well. However, with the black background, his black hair and straight on stance, the shot has a sort of two dimensional feel to it, like a police mug shot. Consider pivoting his body 20-30degrees right or left, then bring his head round to the camera to help give some depth to him. I'd also give him back the bottom of his beard and his shoulders as well. His 'stature', for want of a better term, so we can 'meet the man'.

If you can shoot these two again, William, do so and see how much better you can make them second time round.
Regards
-Greg