Didn't have to check the exif to know what this was! Rod and Товарищ Simon summed it up well - looking all good!

Don't think the bold B&W helps this to jump out.

Asia>Australia. Surely not.

Sharpness, да. Swirls, да. Superb in B&W, да. Splendid isolation with softer rendering towards the edges, да. You've got a good one!!!

And a good choice for the test too, да.

This one, although they're very close. Again, the problem you have with this copy isn't jumping out at me.

A bit hard to compare - quite a different style of picture. Can't see any light leaks.

Ripper! Rarely see this orientation!

I'd be very happy with this one. The subject has beautiful clarity and you've already got a grand swirl. Lovely processing too.

yeah i like it more too.. just was trying to see how far i could go in the other one.. that's too funny, Mr POD. there are plenty of examples of you masquerading as a HOL on flickr!

haha you'd no doubt be doing so in person too. She can be rather shy.