Hi @rebekahmarek! I wonder right off what the “Christmas bow” is in the first pic. Otherwise good perspective on the harp playing. Like how it’s more than just a harp, it’s someone playing a harp. The contrast seems too high to make for a nice background. Perhaps overlay with 70% black. Or add diagonals over the entire background like the Ark Encounter does on their website: https://arkencounter.com/tickets/?ticketpanel=01. Notice how the effect makes it easier to read text over a picture area, while still being able to see the picture?
Self portrait: seems a little odd that the pavement is mostly dark except for a sort of halo around you. Probably one book would be sufficient enough. If it’s on a harp business car you probably don’t want random text distractions, even though it does help define who you are. Reading a book though, with a dreamy expression looking off the side is sufficient for this effect, I would say.