What strikes me on first impression is that it appears very "real", an attribute that I feel necessary to evoke any emotion in a photo. A very authentic photo. Great lighting and a slightly unconventional composition that appeals to me.
From Olaf.dk: I too like this one better. Nice and relaxed portrait. You look a wee bit tired? When I put on my critical glasses, I ask myself if it would have been better with more of your folded arm and less of your shoulder in the image? Of this I am not sure. A slight panning of the camera, which I know is quite hard when you are in front of the camera yourself. Taking self-portraits is a lot easier with the flip out screen of the G1/G2/G3/G5 cameras! Also, I think a greater distance between you and the background wall would have allowed for less distracting detail in the background. Nice shot nevertheless!
TerryJ: Of your two images, I like this one better. Pose and composition are very engaging. On the constructive side, I think directional lighting would give it more tonal rane and help separate you a bit more from your background. But nice as-is. Has an album cover look to it. --Joe