chuck_mclaughlin

Nice high key lighting.  Too many photographers wash out the background or the subject, but you know how to do it properly.  I honestly don't like the pose, it's too feminine.  It makes him look gay, but maybe he is.  Well done from a technical view point, though.

Very complimentary lighting, single soft box or beauty light, did you use a reflector as well?  Nice separation from the background with the hair light.  Very nice masculine pose, including the hands, which many photographers never learn to do properly (straight wrist, curled fingers, side of hand facing camera, etc.)  You've obviously studied classical portraiture.

Beautiful soft but directional lighting, really accenting his eyes, as a portrait should.  Great contrast ratio between the highlights and shadows without washing out the midtones.  Lit from the short side of his face, leaving the broad side in shadow -- just perfect classical lighting technique -- which puts you head and shoulders above many professional photographers I've seen.  Also, great choice for a B&W portrait.  I'm wondering if that is a clerical collar he's wearing, in which case the subtle cross in the background is a very nice touch!

I like the diagonal composition, with the feathery strands spreading out to 3 of the corners, with the pattern repeated in the background, the soft yet directional lighting, the depth-of-field, and overall "other-worldy" feeling of the picture.  Outstanding macro- (micro?) photography!