[Peted]

Or should I go back to the drawing board.

[smarti77]

That's alot of curly hair!
I like the second but I think it they are equally as good and it comes down to personal preference.
I like the lighting and tones on the face. My only suggestion would be to try a different colour T-shirt to improve the colour version.

[Peted]

Yes perhaps a lighter shirt, just had her sitting next to the window for the lighting, used my trusty 50mm F2.0, still looking for a F1.4 at the right price or even a F1.8 if it is an "A".

Have you been looking at the specs on the new K10D? I have put it onto my must have list.

[smarti77]

Have you been looking at the specs on the new K10D? I have put it onto my must have list.

I would kill for one Pete, but I just dont have the money...
I only got my DS about 12 months ago so I'm ok with that for a while...

[shuttertalk]

I think you've really drawn out her stunning eyes in the 2nd one... that gets my vote

[slejhamer]

Nice lighting.

I'm not a fan of portraits with both the shoulders and face square to the camera, unless there's some unusual shooting angle involved.

Also I think she's a little low in the frame, and would consider cropping some off the top.

Your post-processing clipped highlights in the color image. Note the harsh blob on her forehead. It is much better in the monochrome conversion.

Since you're going with somewhat of a classical lighting and posing situation, you might find some interesting ideas from this article:
http://jzportraits.home.att.net/chapter-07.html

All of that stuff can be done with natural window light as well.

[Peted]

Thanks guys.

[Toad]

I like the B&W in this case - I think the processing helps even out the skin tones a bit. Well done.

[Wedding Shooter]

2nd is the better look.