Tough call. "Be Happy" is kida soft and to bright IMO. "West Wall" has an abstract nature and might not appeal to some voters, but the photographic execution is flawless. If i were you the choice would have been between "13 23 81" and "West Wall". I like them both, but the "13 23 81" is more striking.
And, I'm happy with how it did, but I considered this -- I liked the jawline running parallel with the frame and there were more right angles.
The expression is far better in the entry, but what killed it for me was the motion blur. I'm not sure I would have given your outtake a better score though, because the expression is weird. If you could meld the clarity of your outtake with your entry... bingo.
I think West Wall may have done better in this challenge, just because the angles have more impact. When it comes to simply, "Which photo do you like better?" I would say, your entry.
And, I'm happy with how it did, but I considered this -- I liked the jawline running parallel with the frame and there were more right angles.
You chose the right one. It is a beauty.(I'm an Australia - that is an expression which does not equate to she is a beauty, although she is an attractive girl.)
I'm wondering which shot came first. Did you get the outtake before she became aware of you and then she turned and noticed you? Or after you getting the entry is she shutting you out?
