Looking for a second opniion

[Ben Watts ATL]

[IMG][/IMG]

I asked for a critique of my portfolio on a site and while I agree with most of what was said, I did not agree with the person on the use of shadows on the face. Linked above is one of the pictures mentioned. I kept it because I liked the way the face was shadowed. "Obscuring the models face through light or hair. Almost ever photo also has half of the models face covered by shadow or hair! It does not add anything to your look, and just looks unprofessional." - Her words exact

Where Professional Models Meet Model Photographers - ModelMayhem

Here is a link to the rest of my port with other examples she critiqued. (disclaimer, she's a model and not a photog. I feel would slant the critique a bit. I have a vision of how I want the pic to look versus, how a model 'wants' to look. I also understand ultimately my opinion is what really matters, but I would like to do this professionally so I'd like to try to conform to some sort of standard that is pleasing to other people besides myself).
I'm new at this, going on 3 months, and I'm open to any and all feedback

Taken with a Nikon D3100, Nikon SB-700 on the right shot through a white umbrella.
F4
ISO 400
1/250 shutter speed.

[windrider86]

The problem I have with the shadow is the way it falls on her face. It gives the illusion that her nose is no longer attached to her. The white of her eye is also a distraction. Its the brightest part of her face and therefore draws all the attention to it. Perhaps a bit less of shadow would bring the photo more interest.
Nice concept tho.
Have you thought about giving more room to the frame on the side where she is pointing? seems rather cut off