Will keep an eye on this, subject to date it sounds good. Week nights probably better for me.

I like her expression best in no. 2 though.

Agreed. The last one is nicest. I think the mono conversion work well, takes out the inconsistent colours of your various light sources. The hair light is too strong but it shows you are progressing and refining your technique even if you're not 100% there yet.

The 'kiss' logo is legendary.

Darn

It must be the rumours of a Pentax FF, buoying up sales of the low end models, Algi

I just thought I'd add that my detailed comments aren't based on some perceived superiority in my own portrait attempts, but more on spending time looking at portraits and reading about how they were lit, and trying to come up with helpful suggestions based on that

You've lit her from below, which is usually done to create a ghoulish atmosphere (I think it's called 'halloween lighting?'

If that was your aim, you have succeeded! I do actually like the mood in shot two, and her expression suits the atmosphere better. She also has nice reflections in her eyes. A little light behind to just pick out the top of her head by adding a subtle rim of light to her hair would have improved it.

However I think a soft light above and slightly to the side of her, with perhaps a reflector to kick back some light to her face under her hat, and perhaps a further light behind her to illuminate her hair, would have worked better for your subject.

The direct approach here works for me. I love it. It's the essence of what a portrait should be. Stripped of artifice and very direct.

Pentex just don't sound as good ;P