This is a _really_ quick conversion (under a minute, but wanted to see what happens when you boost the contrast of the original a bit).

Remember ... there are no real rules in photography, just guidelines. Cutting off the head like this is very acceptable in a portrait like this. It's in close and personal ... don't sweat that.

I think the problem with the sepia and b&w one is you're coming from a fairly low contrast image to begin with (was it overcast that day?). Monochrome does not suffer flatness gladly.

Get our contrast up a bit on the original (without clipping the highlights) and it should work better for you. Message edited on: 07/01/2005 13:08