Advices please... (2)

Hi guys..
I am not suppose to make this thread because I dont find the 2nd image good but my wife insisted that its good and led us to a debate. So, we are counting on your judgement...

The session now begins... Here is the story...
A few weeks ago, I posted an image and asked for advices (first image)... After trying the suggestions, with another bride, I ended with the second image...

Here is the issue... For me, I prefer the first image because of the shadow details and impression of the photo... I find the second image flat... But for my wife, the second one is better....

My question is, which is better? Include the critique please...
Thanks...

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Is this the intended FOV or just a crop to look closer at the sharpness?

They both have their problems but the first catches a warmer moment where the 2nd, she's just looking.

The first has catch-light, the 2nd dull eyes. The first has better lighting albeit a bit warm and not as soft as could be, the 2nd is cool and flat (like you said).

I don't think I'd use either one at this crop. Printed as a head-shot at say, 4x6, I think the first would be acceptable if you didn't have anything better.

In 0xd1f00aad (the reason I do this is because some browsers apparently reverse the order of the images.), you must have been using a super-wide aperture on a macro lens. The nearer part of her eye lid is the only thing in focus. This is a large enough flaw in my view as to justify killing the image.

The focus is better in the second one, but the eye is lifeless. The white is dull and there's not enough contrast to emphasize the iris and the pupil.


The first one has a more pleasing expression as far as one can tell.

joedlh wrote in post #16676437
... you must have been using a super-wide aperture on a macro lens....

Agree with all you said except maybe this. Even a modest aperture like f2.8, 200mm from even 5 or 6 meters would have this affect. 300mm even worse.

Although I'm as guilty as anyone; I think this business of having DOF so shallow that one eyeball is noticeably blurred is a fad.

Like this one. 5DII, 105mm, F4, 1/400th, ambient lighting, distance approx 5 feet: Only the left eye is in focus (sort of). The right one is blurry and her hair noticeably blurred. This works for a modest print size, but any bigger aperture and the blurry eye is just distracting (IMO - but it wouldn't be nearly as bad as what's become popular ... or is it just me).

Thanks... There are two changes I made in these photos, 1st is replacing halogen lighting into flash (bounced) and apperture setting.(Made some micro adjustments too)... I was thinking if I retain the halogen light and use a speedlite at the same time, would the second image be better or it may make it worst due to different color temp of the two light sources? I like the sharpness of the second one but I didnt like the effect of the speedlite when shadow is in concern...