In the first image I wonder if the light stand & cord were cloned out if the image would be better.
Like the second image...seems to be enough separation between model & BG.
BTW - check out your WWW site & love the image of the model in the green dress in the snow. Finland models must be tough...I can't get a model outside in 70 degree temps...too cold to them
The first thing that caught my attention in the first image was the difference in the brightness/catchlight between the eyes. The right eye appears "brighter" and thru me off a bit.
#2 is really nice technique. #1 -- if I were you, I'd remove the mole (blemish) from the left lateral hand -- small as it seems, it splits visual attention between the light, the model, and itself.
IMO your second is the best of the two, however I am slightly distracted by the earphone on the right side, as it has a bit to little separation from her cheek, also would be nice to see her pupils a bit smaller, by using a brighter modelling light or brighter location. +1 for Curtis, I wonder if the pic would be stronger if she was turning her attention a bit more towards the camera.
