Would prefer number one, with the modification of votes being cast in a new thread tallied by the host. Having the voting done online eliminates the possibility of the host missing (or not receiving) voting emails and assures a correct tally.…
The mood of the photo fits Eric Johnson. Johnson can make a Stratocaster sing with the purity, and tone of a Stradivarius violin. Smooth. Did not know he played a keyboard.
Here's our OLD dog, almost 16; acting as an equal to any member of the family. This is NOT a posed shot, the child was sent to wash her hands. "Nugget" the dog immediately laid claim to the sandwich, a second later announcing same…
Only problem I see is the sheet music, the eye goes there, and stays there . . otherwise a very dramatic image.
If you can isolate that diamond, and lower brightness, it's done.
Who's the musician?
I would crop as well. Suggest leaving the bottom as is to have the green leaf lead the eye to the bloom, and crop to the right of the horizontal green leaf. Color, and definition in the bloom is perfect!
Grew up in a rural area where you shot with a gun, not a camera. Got into photography in High School; got out when children came along . . . Now starting again.
Personal notes: Over 65 with a seven yr old daughter. Education in Physics, but never employed in a scientific field. Managed a Disaster Recovery - New Orleans made me furious!
My Photography Equipment:
Digital: Fuji E550 and Fuji S9000
Film: Minolta 202 and X700 w/almost all lenses, etc.
Oddities: Zeiss Ikon Contaflex and Zeiss Ikon Ideal 111 (circa 1937 - rise, fall tilt and shift) with 120 roll film back.