Wow Tara - way to go for your first entry! This portrait is indeed strong, and I see you in a different way now. Looking forward to seeing more of your work. Happy Holidays!
Linda
a beautiful, dark and deep image. well done indeed, i'm very glad you didn't chicken out - this is lovely. the grain, and the superb composition make this unforgettable.
One of my favorites.
I have seen two times all the photos before voting and this one has catched me inmediately , the look is hypnotic.
I also like the B&W , this gives more strength to the image.
Gorgeous tones and I love that expression, the tilt of the head, the face framed by your hair, the processing, the grain... pretty much everything really! : )
I would have titled it "Stoic" - but I'm just burned out on "Pensive" as a title. :) Not gonna ding you for it though. Really terrific and subtly dramatic (if there is such a thing). Well done.
Beautiful, moody portrait, I particularily like the shapes created by the light areas, the heart shape of the neck/hair mirrored in the general shape of the face, the upside-down heart shape of the lips. My one complaint, I wish there was just a smidgeon more at top, so that the right eye (or left in the image) were not almost cut off. ~9