One shot or two???

[stubbsy]

This is a problem image for me. I'd be interested in your comments. I'm tempted to slice this image in half and create two separate portraits with 2 girls in each. SO my question is: Slice in two or leave as is?



and the split versions"

[Geoff]

Peter - firstly, this is an absolutely lovely image!
Secondly I think it'd (probably) be better if you split it in two, your idea of doing this will create a little more intimacy, and the closeness of friends.

I think it would like great either way, but possibly better split into two .

[stubbsy]

Thanks Geoff. Just updated the post and added the split version.

[Matt. K]

I'd split.

[pharmer]

Great facial expressions Peter - splitting into 2 images works well

[daniel_r]

Split it

The gap in the original throws you - you don't know what to look at first.

Girl #3 (from the left) turned out from the centre of frame also doesn't help. It makes it look like she's going to run away from you!.
In the split image, it appears that she's turned in toward the centre of frame as you would more likely expect in portraiture.

[cameraguy21773]

It is an excellent shot but begs to be split.

[losfp]

I'm going to take a different viewpoint. I prefer the original because i think it presents a more complete story. I like the four slightly different personalities in the one shot.

[Alex]

I like the split version.

Alex

[shakey]

The split is great. There are better in portrait orientation and you have two natural couples.

[Fortigurn]

The split is definitely good - the original was too evenly weighted. Lovely shots, lovely expressions.

[LostDingo]

definitely a split

[Alpha_7]

I agree with the Split works much better then all four as the pairs seem to be a little at odds with each other / or atleast their reaction to the photo is at odds with the other pairs. Nicely taken Peter.

[huynhie]

I prefer the split as well.

[PiroStitch]

Splits works bestest

[suzanneg]

Agree with the consensus. In the single photo, there are two stories happining and the eye wanders from one to the other. In the split version, there is a single, strong theme. Nice shots

[christiand]

Great photo.

I have to disagree about splitting the image.
I cannot see two different stories happening unless I would want to
influence what was captured.
(the photo captures one story, why would anyone turn this into two seperate stories ?)
I also believe that the four girls belong together and
they all form part of the image.
Check their eyes and what they are looking at.

Best regards, my 20 cents,
Christian

[leek]

I kept meaning to comment on this, but never got around to it due to bus(y/i)ness...

Peter, I can't help thinking that the original shot would have been improved if you had been about a foot lower when taking the shot... C'mon... get those creaky knees working for you...

Interestingly, this problem isn't as obvious in the split shots...

[stubbsy]

Thank you all for your input. I've set these aside without making a decision. Later in the year they are tagged for my Momento book and I'll decide then with fresh eyes and your comments.

John - re: getting lower. You are correct the shot would be better. Fortunately I did get lower for a lot of the other shots I took of the flower girls.