New Here.. Jumping Right In

[MWAC]

I'm looking for advice on:

• my B/W conversation (I don't use any actions or presets, I'm trying to learn how to do it myself).
• Cropping
• Lighting (used natural light, no flash or studio lighting.
• anything else you think would help me improve.

Canon 40D
50 mm 1.8 (the nifty fifty)
ss 1/800
Aperture f/2.2
ISO 160

[Ridgetop]

I'm not on a calibrated monitor at the moment, but your exposure and black and white processing look very good to me. Some people may not like her left eye (right side) hidden like that, but it looks fine to me. I'm not sure I like that you cut the left eye off slightly though. I think it should be all or nothing, even if hidden by her hair. I'm also not too keen on the slight edge of cloth showing on the right side of the frame. It just kind of sticks in there. Works good on the left side though. The only other thing that bothers me is the processing of her exposed eye. Her pupil is so hidden by the graphics in her eye that it almost gives her an alien or sci-fi look in my opinion. I'd tone it down and just go for the highlight from the window. Again, only my opinion but I think it will help to highlight an otherwise pretty eye. You're really on the right path though and I like what you're doing here.

[MWAC]

I had a feeling her eye was over cooked but I didn't want to say anything and draw attention to it. Funny thing is I only dodged the catch light at 13% occupancy. I think I need to pull the contrast down a little and mask back the rest of her.

[BigFuzzy]

I pretty much want to simply say I completely agree with RidgeTop's comments. Every one of them.

If it weren't for the overcooked eye and slightly cropped left eye, it'd be almost perfect.

[PointNShoot]

A very nice jumping in.

[NicolaB]

I think it is a lovely conversion. I agree the eye is over processed, but that is an easy fix.

I like the hair over the hidden eye, but to make it a really perfect portrait, removing the stray hair over the right eye?

Love it

[MWAC]

thank you everyone for your feedback. I greatly appreciate it.