OK, it seems at least the contrast is working then (compared to the first pictures you posted) and I assume you have tried to adjust the pot to get the best contrast setting.
If the display is not showing anything, it could be your microcontroller that is not running the code as it should.
I have to ask though to be able to guide you a little better, what is is your experience in electronics? Hobbyist? Got a multimeter around? I assume you etched the board yourself?
Can you post a couple of photos of the bottom (solder side) of the board with as little reflections from the flux as possible (different angles)? It might be something as simple as a short circuit somewhere. It looks like your transistors and everything else are soldered in correctly, although I'm not sure if I like the floating /RESET pin.