Which of these two images would you print and frame as a gift for the subjects?

[Keith]

I might just add some info about Doreen here:

Up until her surgery a couple of months ago and subsequent chemotherapy, Doreen was still working five days a week. She's a doctor and a very good one at that so is well aware of her own mortality in this situation. She was telling me on the day that she's just had her last session of chemo and the cancer is currently in remission but is aware that at her age this can all change very quickly. Her burning ambition at the moment is to get back to work as soon as possible ... she loves being a doctor. 🙂

As for Jack ... well, he used to fly helicopters but retired in his late sixties!

 

[degruyl]

For us at rff #2. For them #1. There seems to be sadness in the second photo.

Roughly what I was thinking.

 

[ianglean]

Photo 2. The woman was not looking at the camera on photo 1 and the man is showing affection in photo 2.

 

[robklurfield]

#2, though you have to include the crotch grab shot as bonus gift.

 

[Keith]

#2, though you have to include the crotch grab shot as bonus gift.

I thought initially about framing that wonderful pic and giving them that. The problem there though is that as much as they themselves would like it and have a good laugh I'm sure ... some of Jack's friends who visit are a little conservative and may not appreciate the humour and just see it as old people behaving innapropriately! 😛

 

[MV72]

If they were my mum und dad, I would choose and give them #1 because it still conveys happiness and hope in spite of all the odds. I would keep # 2 for me, but knowing full well it will become tougher to look at, should the worst happen.

 

[mh2000]

facial expressions are much better in #1. You just need to crop it tighter (more like #2) and then it becomes the stronger of the two. (or are you one of the RF shooters who *can't* crop?)

 

[Kevin]

Photo #1 is the better portrait but you have to cut out her hand and that means making a square image by cropping.

Photo #2 has too many problems: The composition, his double chin, the way she looks, etc.

 

[Keith]

Photo #1 is the better portrait but you have to cut out her hand and that means making a square image by cropping.

Photo #2 has too many problems: The composition, his double chin, the way she looks, etc.

Maybe it doesn't have to be square for the crop to remove the distraction of the hand ... what do you think?

 

[Jim Edmond]

I think #2 is more emotional, but may also be upsetting to them in an already difficult situation. You'd be in a better position to judge that. The crop of #1 does improve the composition by removing distracting elements.

 

[kbg32]

If they are very dear to you, give them both images.

 

[MaxElmar]

I liked the third version from that shoot that's not seen here. (You know the one that I'm talking about.) But I can see why you would give the the more conventional image for hanging in the home.

I would like the second one cropped square.

 

[uhligfd]

I prefer # 1.

 

[victoriapio]

I think #1 should be given to them although #2 might arguably be a slightly better photo. They will appreicate EITHER I suspect.

O.C.

 

[dcsang]

Number 2

Do not crop it.

Leave it as is.

This photo, as is, will mean so much to either of them to be honest. The human eye is geared to "seeing" things horizontally (landscape) rather than vertically (portrait) - that's not to say that portraits are not "good" but, I'm beginning to believe, they're a lot more difficult than most would think.

With photo 2 you're seeing his loving glance towards her and her glance into the camera. The interaction is there between subject and photographer and, I think, that makes a world of difference.

Just my 2 cents,
Cheers,
Dave

 

[D&A]

My thoughts keep going back and forth for much the reasons already stated....but ultimately Shot #1 conveys a degree of happiness I find a bit lacking in #2, although it may be the better composed of the two images. Difficult choice for you or those not part of the auctual image.... but capturing this recent moment for them, will mean more than the slight differences they see in the two images. They will attach their own emotional feelings of the captured moment whenever viewing the photograph and that is what is truly important and memorable. Although a difficult time for her and her husband presently, your story along with posted image(s) conveys a very loving relationship.

Dave (D&A)

 

[leica M2 fan]

I would go with the 2nd photo, it engages my attention probably because he is looking at her.

 

[easyrider]

I prefer the first one.. in the second one they are looking in different directions. To me it's a bit off. But so many people here seem to like it!

Why not out them into a double frame -- side by side?

 

[Warren T.]

IMO, the "eyes have it". 🙂

As mentioned before, I also like #2 because she is looking directly at the photographer while her husband glances lovingly at her. #2 did not feel sad to me, but instead it is a very strong, intimate feeling. A square crop on #2 would be okay, but I don't think it's necessary.

In #1, her eyes are looking away, and his eyes cannot be seen because he is squinting from smiling. If both of them can be easily seen to be looking away from the camera at the same point, that would be a different thing, but the way it is now, #1 feels disconnected.

If I had to choose one of the two that were shown, I would choose #2. 🙂

--Warren

 

[ferider]

Give them both. And add a third (the "grab photo") 🙂