I like the left one because it has greater contrast and shows up more detail in the textures. With the two of 'em side by side, my eye seems drawn to explore the shadowed areas in the left image. Sorry, that was a bit of a poncy way of saying what I already said in the first sentence. But anyway, perhaps (if you like the one on the right better) you could increase the contrast in that one by bumping the shadows up above 100 in whatever lights or sun you are using. The slider only goes to 100, but just enter 150 in the numeric part and see if the result is any better (for a quick test). Karl.

Keep the left for the better contrast and place a small shadowless point light next to her face to reduce the shadow above her eyes. That's what I would do...

Agree with the others. The left one has more contrast and looks more interesting. However I like the way the dress looks in the right image. Why not do a merge of both using Photoshop or any other image editor. Doesn't have to be pure Vue all the time, right? ;) I'd also add some additional lights (with flares switched off) in the left version to brighten the girl's face. To improve the skin you also might take a peek into Djeser's Mat setting tutorial for Poser imports which is very helpful. Hope this helps, Phil

The right one looks washed out, and also I disagree with the facial preference, I think the one on the left is more interesting.

Perosonally I like the left one. It looks more real and rich. The one on the right is too washed, (too much ambient light) I do agree with Phil on the dress, the one on the right looks better. James

Absolutely the left one. I would set additional lights to lower the shadows and light up some dark spots, but the right one is simply too flat. You don't get a feeling of depth there.