It's tough to comment on lighting, I now see the first image is better lit than at first thought because I switched to laptop with HDR screen attached.
In the top image ,If you are going to loose something then loose it......losing just a bit of the top of the head looks like a mistake rather than a visual statement. The image looks like it could benefit from being just a wee bit lighter, but I think it looks pretty good overall.
The image of the lady for me is way over worked, which is a pity as it looks like a really nice natural shot. For me skin, eyes and teeth have gone way too far making her look more like a mannequin. Why do photographers do that? Fixing blemishes is fine but keep the subject looking real. Compare her with the guy. Two very good looking subjects, from which you have nailed really good expressions which to my mind is the hardest thing.
Should the top of the head be cut off? First image seems a little dark, I really like the second image.
It's tough to comment on lighting, I now see the first image is better lit than at first thought because I switched to laptop with HDR screen attached.
In the top image ,If you are going to loose something then loose it......losing just a bit of the top of the head looks like a mistake rather than a visual statement. The image looks like it could benefit from being just a wee bit lighter, but I think it looks pretty good overall.
The image of the lady for me is way over worked, which is a pity as it looks like a really nice natural shot. For me skin, eyes and teeth have gone way too far making her look more like a mannequin. Why do photographers do that? Fixing blemishes is fine but keep the subject looking real. Compare her with the guy. Two very good looking subjects, from which you have nailed really good expressions which to my mind is the hardest thing.
Though those wee ball things on her shirt are very distracting!
Based on Eric's comments, do you have the shot before edits? I guess if it is non-destructive editing we could compare before and after.
yes i have, this is before editing