Let the fight begin

The second one is too dark and too blurred. The first is honest and good lighting and sharp as a pin. If you want to soften the wrinkles you can use some gentle skin smoothing but be careful not to overdo it like the second one.

I like the first one. It is honest.

Sam best wishes to your friend and hope the treatments go well.

I think the first photo is much better, looks more natural with good lighting but it is sharpened way too much that all the fine line facial, neck, and hand lines shows up in a negative way.

I think the reason your client prefers the 2nd photo is because it's much softer it does not show up all the facial lines etc. The post processing does not look natural there are un even spots, the lighting over her face and the skin looks a bit too smooth.

Maybe you could tone down the first photo and see how your client likes it.

Best wishes for your friends.

The first shot is way better IMHO. The second looks wishy washy.

Mick.

Thanks for all the well wishes for my friend and for your honesty. I too prefer the first one so I am glad that I am with you all.

I vote for the first one!

they look great in first