I like them both a lot. I think for a publication like National G, the first one is better. It shows the boy's face and his flying hair. And I think his outstretched arms add something. But his expression adds something. I agree with you about mystery being good. Less mystery is also good. But then there's also some mystery in the first one. :-)

I like both as well, but agree with you about the second one asking the viewer to use some imagination. James Nachtwey does that sometimes, and they become very powerful images.

I still like the first one best because the free air is all around him.
To me, in the second one we could think he is holding on to something above him.
Just my thoughts...

Fine, but i'm not adding another icon. ;P

Wow! Where's that? And is that the full name or does the tree obliterate some of it? Very cool. But not as an icon - just to send via email. :)

it's the whole name. it was in amman and i snapped it as we were driving by. :)

Thanks, i love it. :D

do you want the full file?

Never mind - i googled it. :)