This was my first time shooting with a Nikon D70 and doing some serious editing with PSE 4.0. These were taken of my sister in our back yard. Critiques and comments are welcome!
I would try lightening up her face in both of these. They are a little too much in shadow for my taste. A fill flash or maybe a reflector would probably help get some light on her face if you were to reshoot sometime.
I took your advice and lightened the faces using PSE 4.0. They look so much better! Here is the edited first picture and the second picture edited and in full colour.
Have to say I disagree with the braces comment. I think they put her at a specific time in her life and her smile is still fantastic with them. I think the full color of the second is better. Might be worth a try in B&W or even sepia for that one.