A nice set Greg. The black bg works well for me. Nice comp in 1, but it may be a little tight on the top and bottom. Sorry, but 2 doesn't do much for me - others are free to differ. 3 is has a nice comp too, but the light, (shadows), looks a bit harsh.
You know I like and respect your work Greg, and that's why I look hard for nits... ~ Ron
#1 for me Greg. I like the nice flow of the stem. As Ron suggests, it may be a touch tight, but I'd have to experiment with the framing to see if any other options were more appealing. I really don't mind it as is. The light on these looks different some some previously posted sets.
i like the comp in #1, but the arch just doesn't do it for me(i must be the only one). i found #2 more pleasing. maybe because it felt more intimate? anyway i thought they all were great! thanks for sharing.