I almost went with a snapshot over a technically superior shot, because I just love the energy of that shot. We shot a few insanely quick poses in front of a church and just when we were going to stop, she twirled round a flag pole. I don't know honestly. Which would you have picked?

• *first comment dance*
  
  Whee, getting first comment was SO easy today. ;)
  
  I really like the alternate. It has a "dance in the snow" quality to it. Actually, I was wondering which motion that reminded me off, and when I read "twirled around a flag pole" I did a mental head slap. I think it looks very enticing and cute. Love the little tongue she gives you.
  Min @ 2010-01-19 21:26:11
• Well, this is cute and genuine.
  
  But I still like the other one better. :p
  Min @ 2010-01-19 22:23:36
• This is sweet, although her eyes are closed (i wish they were open)... I do prefer your alternate because it's such a genuine real smile.
  Dd-Darlene @ 2010-01-19 23:12:40
• I prefer the other one but the expression is wonderful in this one too. We must all like open eyes.
  sgatanstu @ 2010-01-20 03:11:34
• Wonderful photo!
  Harry122 @ 2010-01-20 03:24:06
• Although this may be the superior photo technically, the alternate shot is much more natural. The expression is much more spontaneous. The alternate gets my vote.
  Andromeda @ 2010-01-20 05:30:07
• I think you picked the right images, the alternative as a nice natural feel to it, but is let down by the movement blur. The posed shot that you choose is let down a bit by the closed eyes, but as your theme is smiles and she has a fabulous smile in your shot, then the closed eyes look deliberate to make us concentrate on the smile where the eyes would be the normal focul point of a portrait!
  cl_UK @ 2010-01-20 13:48:57
• I really like the honesty of the alternate, it has something you can't hide. I think you picked the right shot though the other is lacking the crisp sharpness that a portrait should have.
  Ice @ 2010-01-20 13:56:32
• I like this one Meerkat, your theme is "smiles" and this one is the better of the 2.
  I don't think her eyes have to be looking up at all, it's a charming portrait!
  
  
  Isabella @ 2010-01-20 15:22:00
• I like this one best. Her eyes are smiling even though they are closed.
  RatbarSteward @ 2010-01-20 23:43:32

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