This is an interesting shot - the blinds that resemble knife blades casting shadow slashes across her face and neck really help accentuate the darkness of the photo.
An image that moves at once into the artistic realm. Nine blades and wonderful lighting to add to the dark effect. The subjects expression and neckband with fingertips showing complete the happy mix. Bumping up.
Clever and effective use of an everyday item to create a surprising impact (I'm not referring to the dog collar, of course, although it is sympatico). 8
as this was loading i read the title and actually thought for a moment she was resting her face against knives. She looks none to happy with the light outside - and i like that a lot.
Its more of light than darkness.. but well in some sense its darkness too.. ( dont' worry I am going to deduct points for 'not meeting the challenge :D" I wonder why you have this band on her neck though... Overall better than the average.. so 6
I like the lighting but I find two things distracting - her necklace seems out of place in the image and her eye looks strange without the pupil showing.