Hey Tom, as one who does fool around with the artistic effects I can say I still prefer #1 the most. That ghosted out feeling in #2 isn't doing it for me. Perhaps just a plain B&W?
An image like this or perhaps one in the future if you wanted to see alternative ideas, you could submit it Ben for our Bi-Weekly Let's Play contest and everyone could have fun and just play with it and share their artistic take on it (or a future shot). Just an idea.
Definitely the first. In the 2nd shot the effect is so obvious that I end up looking at how it has treated the texture of the jumper or the background that I don't get round to looking at the girl who after all is the subject. This may just be my take but I think that if an effect is used then it should enhance the image and "if in doubt leave it out". I also belong to the school of effects should be invisible, their effects may not. Ken
There is an issue with Uploading Photos (attachjments). I am not sure what the problem is, and I am looking into it. You can still try to Create your Threads and Upload your Photos, but it is hanging up during the Upload.