I don't know what are you shooting with author but you clould work a little bit with the background & lighting.They are not flatering your subject (imho always).You have some "hot spots" & some "nasty" shadows that doesn't add to the photo.Try to light your subject with a "softer" light source (use a sheet in frond of your light source to diffuse it)The background it's ok (a solid colour surface) but the folds aren't good.Try to use a piece of paper or something.Over all it has alot of potentials to become better(imho again).Hope i helped with this tips (as an amature i try many things my self)

@ karaflazz... thank. very very gentle

I think you just used too much flash.

nice idea, but it is a little blown, and the focus could be better

nice

sorry to be so harsh here author, but Patty.....would you really want this hanging on your wall..that is the way we need to be looking at shots in these contests..........so many comments like yours, and they do nothing to help the authors learn. We need to be looking at and voting for the shot on technique and subject etc, not whether it is 'nice' or not.........

for adeincyprus... fine is better that null.. i agree

You're right adein, but I think a comment may be anyway welcome to the author, although it is not not helpful for learning