Linn Cove Viaduct 10-14-08 : Need your opinion

Here is a couple of shots I made yesterday morning. Very similar... but yet different. Feel free to give me your opinion on which one you like best and why.

I like the first one much better. The strong S curve in the highway is more evident. The highway super elevation around the curves gives one a better sense of the road. There is just enough sky and far distant hills to give a sense of continued perspective. The first photo has all around better comp and illustrates the subject of the photo much better (man's presence in nature).

This is a perfect example of how it's all so subjective, so personal.

I like the second one better, by far. Why? Because the first one makes me feel like I've been shoved into the mouth of the road and I can never get out of it. I'm trapped in the blacktop prison, not able to get free into the surrounding nature.

The second one starts me in nature, still gives me the S-curve flow, and still sends me off into the mountains and the sky. Much more subtle.

Does this mean Philip is wrong? Nope. Unless he also likes disco.

i like the second one better... main reason is it gives more dimension/depth to the picture... it makes me feel like the mountains are a lot farther away in the distance with the more layering effect it has. There are also more mountains to view in the background, and i also like seeing the rock side of the bridge at the bottom left; more to look at making the picture more complex.
Where as the first one like Lance, the feeling of being shoved into the picture, but if you’re wanting a simplistic picture there definitely is less to look at.

love the pictures... i hope this helps with your decision!

If pressed to make a choice I'd say the first one due to the strong leading lines also. However, the rock and trees in the second photo provide good foreground elements and scenic interest. Finally I find the dark shadow on the pavement in the lower left to be a distraction--Larry

Second one, very nice.

Second one. I like the rock and feel that I am standing back from the road. Both great shots by the way - SandyLee

I still like the first one better, and I don't like disco at all, either then or now. :^)) The question, it seems to me, is which photo best represents the subject? If it is man vs. nature, or man in nature, the first is a much smoother representation. The second has too many jarring elements—the dark shadow, the heavy rock, the awkward curve, even the far distant mountains. The first is better balanced, I feel.

Even the feeling of being "trapped in the blacktop and unable to get free into nature" is a statement in favor of the first photo, in my mind. Unless you have godlike powers, the blacktop is as far as most of us will ever get. That's why the road is there!

Maybe I am putting intention in Harold's photography that is more mine than his, but I am curious; what did you intend the photo to say, Harold?

Thanks to all for your thoughts and interpretations.

I really wanted to project harmony (Man & Nature) The other thought I had was that two people can look at the same thing and come away with two very different stories. Thats whats so fun about photography. two photographers can shoot the same subject and depending on perspective can tell two different stories. Its all good!

Thanks again....and I do like disco "A Lot"

Get out and dance...

Well in that case then I'd say that the first one conveys the harmony of the bridge essentially floating in the scene with minimal impact whereas in the second photo it seems to intrude more into the natural setting--Larry

First one, the rock and bushes break the symmetry; but shoot it on the 18th. Oops! Too late.

Cheers,

Steve

I prefer the second one, but would be happy with either. Interesting to hear the different perspectives.

Lori

Definite preference for #1!

I prefer the 2nd version, as long as the foreground leaves are all in focus and not blurred by the wind (I can't tell at this size)

Hard to pick a favorite of the two Harold. Both look pretty good to me!!