Cropping dilemma

1D2n, 600mm f4 is x1.4, 1/800s, f8, iso 200. Cloned some mucus from chick's bill.

I'm still concentrating on the pond at present, because I can get there quickly if conditions are promising (which isn't too often recently!)

I have a cropping dilemma here, so I will add a vertical version for your consideration - your comments are greatly appreciated as always.

LARGE VERSION

Here's my dilemma!

Number two for me Ian , love the dribble !. Nice shot ,very intimate setting.

Bob

Superb russet colours and both BIF, which certainly suits my taste. I'm not so sure about the vertical line of the reflection, it does distract my eye somewhat. Both execellent images nonethelss.

Second one for me,love the eye and stunning lighting and detail

Hi Ian,

both lovely but I prefer the 1st one

gotta be #2 cracking shot but both very nice

lea

First for me too. Second is too symmetrical - the first has feeling of the youngster coming to the mother, its offset to the left, and just 'feels' correct. It also allows the nice foreground and background effects to be properly seen - an important part of this image.

Fantastic detail Ian. For me the first crop works better but that is just personal taste as both crops have their appeal.
Robert

I like the second one most. But just crop a little from de bottom site becuase the birds are too central now.
The second I find more intimite.

1st one for me, the comp makes it look cuter because it gives the impression of the youngster going towards mother. Nice red eye on the 3rd balances the image nicely.

2nd one everything becomes slightly sterile for me, as its too close and in your face.

Well it certainly is a dilemma - seems about fifity fity so far, but I certainly prefeer the first one, it really is lovely and more complete as a composition, a real winner.

I prefer the second on, but they are both brilliant images. I would maybe brighten up the young coot's face a bit just around the eye.

Hi Ian,

Well judging by the opinions here I would go for both !! Personally I prefer the first one, but I feel a tiny bit more space on the right of the youngster would top it off.

Cheers,

Lewis.

Pano it, making sure to keep the birds beaks in the center of the image.

T

First one for me Ian without a doubt, and Tom's pano suggestion would be the icing on the cake I think.

Nice shot.

First and pano vote from me but is is very interesting to read the split of opinions.

Cheers

Austin

2nd for me - more intimate.

Jon

2nd one for me too.

Ian