More of the first, only I must say that I really like the way that the middle bit came out. I like that sort of forgetting about frames periodically. It can be a nice effect, but I would be careful to not overuse it. No lens flares were used in the making of this image, which attest to my restraint even then with regards to the use of filters. The parries are an after the fact sort of thing. After the follow through is what is shown and not the point of contact, I like this and will probably use it whenever I have a sword fight again. Oh yes and the ears are indeed still that way here and elsewhere in the graveyard I do believe.