Hereford wrote:
OK, who doesn't like a black background behind the subject. In this case the subject has black elements also, so it does't work very well. I think #1 looks un-natural lacking a natural fade to black at the chest level. #2 is much better in that regard but still loses part of his neck into the background. I'm sure others will have other opinions, but that is my take.
Thank you for your reply.