Ones eye is generally brought to the brighter spots in a photograph. The way your backgrounds are blown out your eye is naturally brought to that and its more of a struggle to concentrate on the subjects.
I do think you did a wonderful job in your composition and use of lines. I do like your toning.
I agree about the brightness of the backgrounds being a bit distracting.
That said, #1 really works for me, like the color/contrast a lot. Seems like the color and contrast in her is enough to overcome the background (which isn't as bright as the other 2).
I like them because they do look a little different without using too much PP to an extreme. In other words, the central subject is still the subject, not the PP effects.
Overall, I get a sense of mood from the 'atmosphere' too. Looks like an overcast day with Northsea weather.
I think the female model has good potential too.
The jacket she is wearing would make a really nice image (with her in it) if she was standing and the boardwalk structure was not in the image. The graphics on the coat would be an interesting 'graphic' element.
I hope you find these comments helpful.
Now, I hope you will help me too. A little "take and give" if you will. I have a global project underway and I don't have a Global Impression from Denmark yet. You could help. I would like your Impressions on any of my work as described in the following link. Follow this link to learn more about my Global Impressions Project and how a few words from you can help. http://steadmanuhlich.com/globalforum/global_impressions.htm I am not asking for an image critique. It is explained fully in the link above. I hope you will take the 2-3 minutes it takes to offer your Impression.
