#1 - I love it. However, the poor fella needs some room at the top of his head, and perhaps a little sharpening. The angle is great. I do see by your comments that it was not a case of cropping too close. There are ways to extend the photo so that he does have more space. I have included an example of how you can do that. I have not done a great job as I don't want to spend too much time on it. You extend the canvas. I took a color from the background. Then, very carefully, you clone around the head. Then you can crop, leaving room around his head.

#2 - I love the treatment.

#3 - I am not sure about the brightness of the white spot. Your friend certainly does look pensive. He could use some catch lights in his eyes. Also, you do need to learn (as do I) how to select him without cutting his hair into a crew cut. It is obvious that he was placed on the background.

These are just my reactions. I am by no means an expert. Have a great day!

I am sending a more finished redo.... the other one may have been too unfinished to give the idea.