What pic should I submit?

I belong to an amateur photography group and I have submitted some pictures. I have to chose one for the contest and would like some opinions on what one to submit. The contest is faces and expressions.







What one do you think is the best?

I am leaning towards Samara with the balloon.

There are so may professional amateurs in the group. All I have is a crappy digital camera.

The first one of course

The cat person in me would have to pick the first one. Because it's cute.

The people person would pick the second one. Because it is a closer face shot and the expression is cute.

Number 1

As a former teacher of photography, I have to say the second one. I can give you at least 10 reasons, if you need them.

Yes...please share!

One of the judges did comment on Samara's sweet smile.

I also say the second one. Even at a cursory glance, that picture stands out above the rest. I especially like the contrast between Samara's and the balloon's bright colors vs the more subtle background colors.

I also vote for #2. I just like the colors, the expression, and the freckles!

I vote for number 1, but that's because I'm a cat person, not a kid person And that cat has on heck of a mixed expression going on.

As someone that dabbles in photography, I would say #2.

#2!!!! The lighting, contrast, etc looks better than the other two IMO

They could all fit the category. However, the 2nd one is the best photograph as far as lighting and composition go. There is some distracting stuff in the background, but it's in shadow so doesn't jump out at you.

As a cat person I say #1. But #2 is really good!

I like cats, the timing of the shot, and the simplicity/minimalism of the first picture, so that gets my vote.

Well, back in the "real film" day, I would "dodge" the central part of #2 and overexpose the back to darken it and remove the distraction a little.

I'm going for number 1, but my second favorite is the third one.

Not fair you can only submit one! So I am voting for #2, because it's a pretty picture. The little girl's beautiful eyes seem to be the focal point of the picture and there's lots of color. But maybe you shouldn't listen to me, as I am the worst photographer on TCS.

Originally Posted by CheshireCat

The cat person in me would have to pick the first one. Because it's cute.

The people person would pick the second one. Because it is a closer face shot and the expression is cute.

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Originally Posted by GoldyCat

They could all fit the category. However, the 2nd one is the best photograph as far as lighting and composition go. There is some distracting stuff in the background, but it's in shadow so doesn't jump out at you.

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I'd go with #2.

Originally Posted by ut0pia

#2!!!! The lighting, contrast, etc looks better than the other two IMO

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The second one, but I agree with the others: There is too much distraction in the background. It confuses the eye.