Graduation

[Sebastian]

Valparaiso, IN.

[Old Timer]

Like them both, but you have to love that second one, it tells the whole story who need words.

[Sebastian]

Thanks OT.

[Kokopeli]

Like them both, but you have to love that second one, it tells the whole story who need words.

X2 on what OT said.

[Reamsie]

I like both, but I have to agree, the second one is the best.

[Sebastian]

I appreciate the input, though it's funny I much prefer the first one.

[gahspidy]

They are both fine shots. I think the second is very strong and I would imagine the subjects like it very much as well. I like the first one from a creative/artistic perspective. Great color and contrast.

[Sebastian]

I think the second is very strong and I would imagine the subjects like it very much as well.

Though I and the subjects both like the photo, I would argue that there's nothing strong about it. It's run-of-the mill feel-good crud. Granted, it's crud I like, but it's still crud. Anyone can take that photo with a fast lens and a sufficiently clean background. But worst of all, it doesn't show me anything I've never seen before. As a photograph, it's the equivalent of a pop tart, you look at it and go "yum!" and 15 minutes later forget you ever ate it.

The only reason I like it is because I really care about the subjects, and it captures a moment in time when they were happy and relieved and scared and hopeful all at the same time. But other than that, it has no nutritional value. Of course, I realize this now after getting over the initial emotional connection, and regret even posting it.