Atothev, thanks for the comments, i have tried what you suggested (see it here) http://www.pbase.com/iamwiley/challenge_entries i think i like it better with a looser crop, but the jury is still out on the sharpening....
Billy, I like the lighting in the shadow and the subject's contrast to the white background. I'm wondering what it would look like with a little more sharpening and a looser crop. Just a few ideas to throw around. - atothev