Very nice. Also would have been good in the "flight" category

Author, not a bad job for learning. Very nice attempt. I see by your SBS, shot 2 and shot 3 look identical. In strong sun, try a properly exposed image, 2 stops under and only 1 stop over...might work a bit better to keep highlights from blowing out and get better shadow detail. Good Luck

Based on the example given with the topic, I discovered that too, but it was too late for amends. A little encouragement, itsmymoment, is more than welcome, and for this I can't thank you enough

Thanks, jfish

definitely original, well done. wouldn't hurt to crop it a little closer.

I have to disagree. I think that cropping the photo would detract from the contrast between the dark wood in the background and the gentleman's skin tones. Just my opinion though. Good job author, great concept.

I agree with Elfish

How did you achieve the vignetting?

It looks more like the fall off of light than vignetting. Anyway - it gave me a smile

This is very interesting, you may want to consider cropping out the white/blue at the bottom left of the photo. It is quite distracting.

but that will crop its mouth as well ...It was there in the picture itself

True but IMO it will still hold the interest of the viewer as well as the feeling of being a face itself. If it were me, just a suggestion, I would crop up to the shadow below the nose and a little from the right. Maybe try the crop and see what you think, if you don't like it cropped it's all good and if you are happy with the photo this way that is great too.