Mt. Hood Spectacular (oppinions appreciated)

I'm trying to decide which of these I like better. They are quite similar, so I only wan't to include one on my site. I keep going back and forth which I like better. I'd appreciate your input.

Both were shot right at the peak of color, it's amazing how fast the light was gone after this.

#2

The eveness in the trees and snow quallity of #1 attract me more. The texture at the bottome Right of #2 distracts my eye more than it should. Amazing shot, Zack.

#1 all the way. Awsome morning.

Hi Zach,

I'm with John and Tomas - #1. I like it better than the second (which is very good as well) because of the FG - I find the slope in #2 a little distracting. Great shots, though.

Lee

#1

Hi Zach,
I like #1 better. The edge of the snow in the FG creates clearer separation from the trees; the mtn in the distant BG is clear of trees; the color is a bit more saturated; I like how the pothole lake peeks out from the trees. Both shots are excellent, though.

I like the top one best - both very nice

#1, the lower left of #2 with the diagonal droping into the corner bothers me. I think you have a consenus

#1 although I think the first one you posted is better overall.

beautiful! I prefer The firs one, as the lines of the nearby hill mimic the lines of the mountain and give it a more peaceful feel to me. i'd happliy take either one!!
Sandy

Thanks everybody, you've confirmed for me #1 is clearly the winner here. I appreciate everyone's input, I've just made a few more adjustments for printing, it looks fantastic in print.

Another vote for #1. I've read alot of complaints about light fall-off with the 17-40 and, assuming that is the lens you used here, the slightly darker corners works to your advantage in this shot. Did you get your damaged one repaired or did you buy a new one?

How large are you able to print this?

You're right Mark, this was the 17-40, I had to buy a new one as the rear glass element was scratched on the broken one, I may still have canon look at it to see if they can fix it for relatively cheap. I chose not to adjust the vinietting(spelling?) as I agree with you, it works to strengthen the image IMO.

Wow, this looks incredibly good! I agree that the first one seems slightly more balanced.

Just curious, as I am not too familiar with Mt Hood, where do you get sweeping vistas like this one?

Thanks Inge, this is up on top of Tom, Dick, and Harry Mountain, just above Mirror Lake. It's not too hard to get to most times, unless you go after it gets a lot of fresh snow. The trail head is just a little south of the Ski Bowl exit.

Thanks Zack. We'll see if I get an opportunity to go down there this winter, now that they've closed off Mt Rainier until further notice. I'm up here in east Seattle. I love these kind of shots with fresh snow on the trees and great dawn/dusk light!

gorgeous shots.