To frame or not to frame

[erinc]

A few weeks back I took a few photos of my 3 year old niece while we were in the backyard blowing bubbles. In all honesty I took them simply because she's adorable, not because I was hoping any of them would turn out to be great photos. In the end I ended up with 3 that turned out quite well (given I wasn't trying), at least I think they're nice photos.

I had them posted on my Facebook and my sister in-law commented on one of them saying she really liked the picture. I told her I'd get one printed for her the next time I was getting some photos done. (ok, getting long winded here....I'll try to wrap it up) As I was looking through them I realized I'd like to get the other 3 printed and framed as well.

A few people have seen the photos framed up. Two of them seem to be generating positive reactions. The third I'm getting lots of "why did you frame that one, she's not even smiling?". True, she's not smiling. I can't tell if the look in her face is one of "these bubbles don't taste very good" or if its one of "get the darn camera out of my face already"!

One of the pictures she's not looking at the camera at all. She is completely engrossed in what she is doing. Another she is looking at the camera with a big smile on her face. I personally love the third one. If my sister in-law doesn't like it I'll keep it for myself.

How do you decide what to frame and what not to frame?
Am I crazy for framing a photo that she isn't smiling in?

Here is the photo in question (bear in mind it looks MUCH better blown up and framed).

[BCampbell]

Wait, so you're printing and framing these just for yourself, to hang in your own home or whatever?

Who gives a flying flapjack f*** what other people think, if you like it, and you're hanging it in your home because you like it, that's all the reason you need. What kind of person criticizes someone else's personal decision like that, especially when it's their own kid? If one of my freinds said that I'd consider having one less friend.

edit: I'm still a little confused, but if you're sending these to your SIL, I get the feeling that she'll like all three of them just because they're photos of her niece. If she doesn't like it, she'll stick it in the closet, but it's a nice gesture in either case. Don't listen to other people so much.

[erinc]

They're more for my sister in-law (she hasn't seen them framed yet) than for myself. Though if she doesn't like / want one of the photos I'll happily have a photo of my niece hanging in my home!

I just wasn't sure if I was way out in left field for framing a photo in which the person wasn't smiling. I personally am rather tired of the traditional "smile pretty" photos which is why I liked this one.

I know ultimately it is my decision and preference, I just wanted to see what the masses thought (and to make sure I wasn't totally crazy!).

Thanks!

[Indigo November]

Nope, not crazy, smiling isn't the only human expression that's frame-worthy.

[lputman]

Only response anyone would receive from me, if they get one at all, is, "Because I wanted it framed."

You don't have to explain your decision on what you frame or don't frame, it's really nobody's concern.

[BCampbell]

Originally Posted by erinc

I know ultimately it is my decision and preference, I just wanted to see what the masses thought (and to make sure I wasn't totally crazy!).

It's such a personal subject, I don't know that the opinions of strangers really apply.

But, FWIW, Most of my favorite pictures of my fiends/family (and even myself) are not smiling. Nobody smiles all the time (except the Joker).