Always test the settings whenever you have something new: new machine, new material, new project. They all behave different, even with minute changes on speed, power and passes.
Make sure surface is even. If wood is rough, sand a little with a medium-fine sandpaper. For best results, place wood grain perpendicular to the laser X axis.
Decide if you want the portrait flat for a frame or “as is” for a hanging frame. You may need to remove the wholes on top.
Template is color coded. Red layer means cut.
Ungroup as needed, to process your own piece of art.