Bounced Flash Portraits - which one?

[Ginger Pixie]

Hi, would appreciate some feedback on these shots - I bounced flash off the ceiling on full power. Which one do you prefer?

Exif for both shots:

Camera Canon EOS 450D
Exposure 0.005 sec (1/200)
Aperture f/8.0
Focal Length 70 mm
ISO Speed 400

[maystery]

I'm not sure if you want a comment on the lighting or the pose?

Based on pose:
If i had to, had to, absolutely had to choose then I pick the second one.
It's just.. sweet.
I really like them both a lot. The first one gives a real sense of cheekiness that makes me want to smile too.

Based on lighting:
My understanding of the purpose of bouncing is to reduce the harshness of the light. It seems that full power bouncing off the ceiling is maybe a little too much as there are very dark defined shadows under her chin in both shots.
Also, there is a yellow tint in the second shot which can be adjusted in most photo editting software as far as I know.

Hope that helps, maybe you could be more specific about what you want feedback about?

M

[zona5101]

maystery hit on the first two thoughts I had: 1) color balance is different and 2) shadow/shadow detail in the hair is lacking in both. From a pose perspective I like the first based simply on the solid eye contact. From a lighting perspective , I think it is a wash, both are a bit flat, even lighting and better than direct flash for sure, but still flat. Bouncing from a side wall or side wall/ceiling will give you some direction and the resulting defining shadow.

[dlambert]

I like the color in the second photo a lot better.

[sgeary]

Second photo gets my vote!