Please vote on a front

I have posted this tree before, but have opened a new thread with an attached poll, so as hopefully the IBC can help me decide on a potential front for this Ligustrum so that I can wire my primrary branches accordingly. I have narrowed it down to two options.

Front:1


Front:2

More images of the tree on this thread...
https://ibonsaiclub.forumotion.com/t6049-old-ligustrum?highlight=old+ligustrum

I double-checked, and I still clicked wrong... Sigh. Sorry!
I voted number 2, but meant number 1.
To me, picture number 2 shows the most "nice" front. Smooth surface, with interesting roots. And some nice pattern in the wood. But I would chose
number 1 since I think it shows more how the tree has struggled. A more dramatic image which to me makes it look larger, and more mysterious.

The depth of the trunk in number one invites my eye into the tree and makes me ponder the struggles that produced such an effect. Tells more of a story to me.

Hi Lee

I agree with Storm and Drgonzo...in that option #1 shows a great narrative and more character. It would bring out more of the 'tree' to style it as a mother and son with hollow trunk. Besides Option #2 may very well work only in a photo, as it appears very 'flat': Option #2 doesn't eliminate the fact that it shows two trunks and 'hides' the one in the back, which strikes me as a bit odd.

Regards to you
/Loke Emil

Thanks for the replies. The first option was my original front but nearly everybody at my local club thought that the second option had much better nebari. I am interested to see that number two is winning in the votes, although all the replies say #1. Those that prefer the second front, please give a reason for your answer.

I voted for #1 but...the photos are tough to get a good read on - it would be good to have some with better lighting and without the distracting background. Maybe a couple of other viewing angles as well.

Chris

So if we consider that Storm accidentally voted for #2 that makes it 11 to 9 in favour of #2. Fairly equal. Thanks to those who voted. I keep getting drawn back to #1 so being as the results are fairly even, I think I should probably go with what my heart tells me. Here is my vision...

Also think I need to do some more carving on this section that looks very straight.