Critique please

[Stacey_West]

I had some travel photos I entered last year merit but would like to compete with portraits from my senior sessions this year. Do either of these, if properly mounted, have a realistic chance of meriting? Thanks...

[JohnHeckler]

Stacey, I have been meaning to reply to this since you posted it. I like them both, probably the blond better. She might have a tiny bit too much room on top, maybe not? The crop on the elbow? Lighting is very nice. On the other, I like the angle as well, but the hand that comes into the frame seems a little awkward.

As you know, I know crap about this stuff, so take anything and everything I say with a major grain of salt.