Request for critique (or a simple poll about a specific image)

[domenico Foschi]

In my opinion, the strengths of this portrait are tonalities and lighting.
The highlights, might need just a bit more work, I would print them a little lighter to create a tension with the shadows and midtones to support the mood you are trying to convey.
I agree that the subject is a tad stiff, or maybe uncomfortable.
Or it could be that you were a bit uncomfortable thus not being able to capture yourself and him in the picture.
You probably need to get acquainted in shooting portraits with LF, which can be a blessing but it require total confidence with the camera at the point you forget you are using it, so that you can concentrate on the subject and yourself.
I love the background and its tonalities, but as it has been mentioned, there is too much on top of the head

[Scott Rosenberg]

i am not a portrait guy, but had i been taking this image, i might have gone for something like this...

[Daniel_Buck]

I like your 2nd crop much better, it loose some of the dead space, and takes his head a bit farther out of center frame.

[Ken Lee]

[Ken Lee]

[Ken Lee]

[Vaughn]

While you guys are at it, why don't you 'Shop some catchlights into his eyes...

vaughn

[Jordan]

Well I think it is a decent portrait and certainly an avenue I'd continue down if I were you. The original crop is best in my opinion. Perhaps a little off the top and left, but keep the image proportional to the format's dimensions. The background is a little too blocked up so just lighten it up. The contrast seems decent to me. I'd rather an image not too contrasty. I hope this helps. Keep it up man.

Jordan

[Ken Lee]

[Scott Rosenberg]

wow ken... how'd you do that last one? looks great!