Let's discuss...

[Mike Hamm]

I'm on the fence about which one of these pics to post in my 365 project. The one is pretty straightforward. The other one isn't. The skipper butterfly literally took flight during the 1/400th shutter excursion. When I pressed the shutter release it was there and when the shutter closed, it was gone. The result is in the image. So, it has a bit of meaning to me but others might think it's just a bad capture. I think I was somewhat lucky to snag that shot, but it may not be everyone's cup of tea, so to speak.
I like them both enough that I'm ok with posting either one.
What do you all think? Post 1 or 2?

1.

2.

[Bugik]

Hey Mike, great captures once again! The 2nd photo has its particularity because the wings are in motion. I prefer pic 1 though... I just love to stare and admire beautiful creatures such as this.

[Mike Hamm]

Thanks Bugik. I sort of have that feeling about staring at the creatures.

[Robin]

I prefer the first pic for two reasons. One, the sharpness of the butterfly makes it POP in the photo. Also, the purple flowers in the top one lead your eye to the butterfly. Love both, but #1 gets my vote. :)

[Rebbecca Castillo]

I perfer pic #1 as well. I think the overall sharpness of the photo is slightly better then the second. Also, I love the contrast between the orange and purple which is more apparent in the first shot. Great work though, and I can see why you would be torn :)

[FaerieMoon]

I like photo #2. It's different and has more of an emotional feeling attached (for me).

[FaerieMoon]

By that, I mean when I look at #1, I'm just using my eyes, photo #2 uses my eyes and I can almost hear/feel the movement as well.

[Mike Hamm]

Faeriemoon I totally understand what you are saying about #2. Tough one.

[Jennifer Loftin]

I prefer #1. :)

[Sue]

why decide? Just join another site and post the other one there. I belong to 3 sites and post 3 pics a day, one on each. here are the other 2:

http://www.blipfoto.com/
http://www.fotolog.com/

but if I had to choose one I would pick 1 for the clarity, if the theme were action then I would have picked 2.

[Mike Hamm]

Thanks everyone. I went with #1 for the project.

[Shelina]

I think you should think about what you want this project to represent - is it about things that have an emotional connection to you, or somehow represent each day of your life? Is it about learning to take photographs and watching them improve? Putting them in a collage would be a good compromise if you can't decide.

[Lone]

If the photos was mine I would choose picture 1. Or maybe I would make a collage with both pictures. I think they both are great.

[Aaron L]

i say post 1, lot clearer.

My eyes drawn elsewhere in 2 at first due to the blurryness, which of course is not what you as the subject is the insect

[weslyn hoekstra]

Well, you already chose, but I like the second because for that bit of life that the movement of the butterfly gives it. Of course in trying to shoot butterflies myself, I find that getting one still and in focus is a lot harder (for me).

[Mike Hamm]

Weslyn,
I felt totally lucky to get that still shot. These skippers don't sit still for long.

[Michelle Blanchard]

I like #2. It's a hard shot to capture, so be proud of it.

[Kimmi]

I like the first shot. The second one just seems blurry to me.

[Steve Hollingsworth]

picture one is the sharper image which lets you see the butterfly better , the 2nd image might be better if you crop it closer to the moving butterfly so it becomes more of the focus of the image , rather than something moving over the flowers ... if you get my meaning (o; ....

[Mike Hamm]

Thanks Steve. Is this the idea? I can see the different composition does seem to help.

[Timothy]

big fan of picture #2, the moment captured with the wings, feels like a smile you capture that cant be duplicated

[Mike Hamm]

Timothy, I kind of felt that way too. It was just so lucky in that it all happened during the shutter excursion.

[Annie Charalambous]

I like the second one :)