Gandalf on Broken Top

New to black and white. How is this one?

It's a scan off a consumer grade HP flattop. I increased the contrast just a bit and darkened it a little in Photoshop to compensate for the scanner. I usually go overboard and adjust it too far though.

Here's a little version of one I cropped and adjusted 'Levels' on (it's a nicer tool than brightness/contrast, as it lets you have much more careful control). 'Levels' adjustment is almost always necessary when scanning.

 

As for composition, the glaring white background doesn't really add anything to the pic because it's so featureless. If you wanted to include features, expose for the background, and then add fill-flash to keep the dog's features lit. Anyhow, working with what you already took, here's a cropping that might work.

I see the point about cropping in for a portrait, but I think the original is great in that it shows Gandalf enjoying the beautiful surroundings.