Jason...you make that camera talk !
Every time I`ve voted on one of your images, I`ve been impressed by the sharpness, and thought ..I really must upgrade my camera, only to find out the picture has been taken using the very same "beastie".
You`re an inspiration.....Oh and why did this finish way down in the list ????
I've ad trouble with all the facial hair shots so far - just can't decide where to place them in this challenge. Sure it fits the challenge, and is a perfectly acceptable portrait in a certain style - I'm no fan of that slight wide-angle look to this shot, but that's your choice. Well composed though: that edge of the sweater and the hat make a useful balance, and it's very well liut, though perhaps too much inclassic portrait manner, and not enough with an eye to bringing out the texture of the face. Not that you've removed it all - as some others have - but it's certainly reduced, I would say. Borderline 7, but presently 6.
Break out the razor! This works well for texture and I like the cap and sweater neck. I like the lighting, but I'm not crazy about the angle of the head. Not sure what I would do differently to change that and still capture the texture.