Which one do you like?

Just trying to get some feedback on which image is more appealing ...

or this one ...

The second one.

Mel-

I like the tones better in the second one but the rock pillars appear to be leaning to the right, or is it me. I also think the brighter areas are more away from the edges in the second one.

Bill

Both are very, very nice, but I'll also go for the second one.

Honestly, I couldn't pick between these two. They're equals. I like the better view of gold aspens in the second one, but I like the wider view and slightly more dynamic feel of the first one.

Another vote for #2. Both are fantastic.

Guy

2

I like how you can see the foreground aspen in #2 as well. Tally another vote for #2.

I like the top half of the first one and the bottom half of the second one best. I think the split toning is a more effective in the second one. Tough choice, but overall I'd say the second one.

The second one, but both are great!

I'm with everyone else who's actually chosen between the two - the second one. It lets more of the detail through.

I sure dig them both Jesse, but I think I'll have to go for #1 the most. I just love the mystery of the first one! Killer shots no matter what!

#2 is my favorite if I had to pick just 1, there's more to see, and you still get the low clouds drifting around effect.

I like #1 best, because there is something above the peaks on the left..

They're both beautiful, but if you made me choose I'd take the second one as I like the foreground better.

OK I tried not to say any more but I can't stop myself.
First they are both fantastic images. In the first one the brights at the top left are the brightest part of the image and so while they are beautiful they draw the eye and then lead the eye out of the image. I love the bright aspens in the first one and the misty scenes in general. In the second shot the eye dances around the bright areas and never leaves the image. That's my opinion at least for what it's worth.

Now I'll shut up.

Bill

I like the first one. I like the clouds above the peaks on the left.

The second...it has a better mix of detail/clouds.

Pam

They're both fantastic and equally compelling, but if I were to pick one to hang on my wall, it'd be #1. I think it has a more mystery with the aspen peeking out from the clouds, and, like Paul and Dan, really like the clouds on the left. When you see them next to each other, it's easy to appreciate the extra detail in #2, but without the benefit of that comparison, I think #1 has more emotional impact.

I have to go with #2. The darker sky allows me to focus more on the rock formation and get lost in the forest. In the first one my eye is drawn too much toward the sky in the uper left. Number 2 is the undisputed champion. Excellent image!

Jeff --> I dispute - #1 is my choice.

Gesh,

I'm conflicted! See what trouble you stirred up.

No seriously great shots. Initially I said #2. But the more I looked at both #1 really stood out as the most compelling. I just feel like it draws me into the scene more with its mysterious pull.

I sure would love to see both side by side enlarged in a frame. My answer might be different then. But I am thinking #1 might stand out all the more with its subtle detail and sublime look.

- Derek

I prefer #2, but they are both excellent. It's your image! It's your artform! You decide which one you like! Edit it the way you want it! And be proud of it!

Jesse, I'd have to go with #2 just because the aspens give a better sense of place. I do really like the wisps of clouds above the Castles in #1.

I'd keep both of them but my preference is for the 2nd one.

I have to say #1 for me...it's more restful...the second one is great too, but at least on my computer all I can focus on is the dark trees...like Brent says...like the overall mystery of the first one.

I prefer #2 due to the additional detail in the trees at the bottom of the frame.

I'd have to go with #2. I like the cloud structure better; it's acting like a frame for the left center aspens and the peak on the left. In the first version, I think the clouds are too busy. I'd be pround to have taken either, though.

#2

I prefer the second one as well.

Number One...more mystery...better tones.

Boy - that is a tough one. I think I like #1 more because of the mystery of the unseen in the LRC. Both are great. With digital I find I more often have a hard time picking the best of various comps. Almost comes down to a coin flip on some.

With film, I would shoot comp variations much more sparingly...

Thank you for the feedback everyone! It helps.

Tough choice! I really like the mountains in the first shot, especially with the highlighted clouds in the upper left hand corner, but the trees in the second shot are simply stunning! have you thought about combining the two?

If I had to pick one over the other, though, I think it would be #2, simply for the way the trees glow through the clouds.