Self Portrait: Crop question

Welp, finals have been all this week, so naturally I've done everything I can to avoid studying. I spent the better part of today messing around with the camera and finally came up with something that I deem as 'acceptable' from a technical standpoint.

From a presentation standpoint, something I always seem to do is keep the subject completely inside the frame. I've been trying to practice avoiding this (not that it's a bad thing, but it never hurts to mix it up) and that's what I've done here. So my question to you is: does this crop work?

Any CC on any points is appreciated as well -- tear it apart!

Hey there.
Well done for avoiding studying as much as possible by playing with photos....
.....so let's have a look at your non-centred image.

First of all, it's a sweet shot but to me, has little "oomph".
The colours (desaturated?) don't work - why not bump them up?
The focus looks off too, which is a big "no no!"
And the sunglasses? Nah. Too 1980s. Also, I'm assuming you photoshopped the reflections? Why not put something in, as opposed to making them graduated?
For me, cutting through your ear also doesn't work too well. Either go even tighter, or move out.

Well, that's the bad stuff.

On to the good stuff, and I really like that you're experimenting. Many togs are reluctant to do so, with the result that images follow too many "rules".
I also like that you've tried to keep the image simple with a clear background - though maybe something with texture might work better.
And you seem to have avoided clipping the highlights just. Which creates interesting lighting.

For my money, I'd say it's a fun attempt, but "you can do better"!

Thanks for the input -- I had another quick go in post processing. Same image, so the sharpness issue won't have been addressed. Anyways, here's what I came up with. One full frame, one cropped.

I left the reds more-or-less untouched (still desaturated the skin tone a bit... I'm drawn to that look for some reason) and added in a simple background. More interesting? I also added in a hint of a reflection to the glasses.

I suppose I'm sort of going for either a sterile/futuristic sort of look, or else something that might be found in an ad.

That tighter crop works much better for me, and is defo' more "futuristic".

You could even go further with that in mind, and over-smooth the skin so as to create an android look. A bit like Jude Law in A.I.?
Could be funky.

Either way, like much more what you've achieved now!


PS: Had a peek on your website too. Love the MTB section!!!

Going for the futuristic look I would get rid of the logo on the shirt and make the shirt a bit more funky I agree about the smooth skin as well it would look more futuristic in my opinion as well. The sunglasses are OK but could be pushed further as well in my opinion.

#3 is definitely the winner. The de-sat skin looks good, and the background curves really work great to both establish the futuristic look and add dynamism to the composition.