These two images were taken about 10 minutes apart. My guess is that the red sky is what most people would choose. I like them both. Which one would you choose? Taken in Yellowstone National Park.
From a photographers eye, they are both nice, but I believe your are quite correct that most people would prefer the red-pink sky. That is the one I would choose if were purchasing for decor! The blue has a more somber-subdued mood.
Posted by Todd Caudle on October 21, 2009 at 7:25 PM
I'll bet if you had switched the order in your posting, no one would've even noticed the non-red version. I think they're both exceptional, but that colorful one is 2 die 4!
They are both beautiful shots but since you're askin'...
I'm with John on the preference for composition #1. I like the way the water flows from the bottom of the frame into the more pronounced S-curve in #1 and I also find the little tuft of grass in the LRC of #2 a bit distracting.
Also, although the sky is more dramatic in #2, I like the way the blue and gold compliment each other in #1.
#2 will definitely get the votes as we all respond to color and it has great color.
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on October 21, 2009 at 8:40 PM
The color in #2 is hard to beat. However, I do prefer the foreground composition in #1, as has been noted.
Posted by Momo Vuyisich on October 21, 2009 at 9:20 PM
I also like the comp better in #1, but prefer the light in #2. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by Steven Peckham on October 21, 2009 at 10:10 PM
Looks like everyone has hit the main points about composition. That said, the warm colors in #2 wins another vote from me.
Posted by Don Grall on October 21, 2009 at 10:15 PM
I like 2 better than 1 because the reds and and the reflected reds are unique and would be difficult to get anything similar. The 1st one would be relatively easy to replicate with the exception of having a particular cloud in a particular place
Posted by Dean Sauskojus on October 22, 2009 at 12:20 AM
Thanks for the replies. I'm in line with you guys. Good to know.
Posted by Jack Garrett on October 22, 2009 at 12:47 AM
Number 1 pulls me into the scene but the color in #2 is to die for. Nice job.
Posted by Bret Edge on October 22, 2009 at 1:27 AM
Yep, composition is better in #1 but the color is better in #2. Both are great images and you should be proud to have them in your collection.
Posted by Joseph Kayne on October 22, 2009 at 9:45 AM
2
Posted by bill meikle on October 22, 2009 at 11:52 AM
Nothing to add, good comp in #1 and great color in #2. Well done.
Posted by Jack Brauer on October 22, 2009 at 1:33 PM
The colors in #2 are initially more striking, but if I was to hang one of these on my wall it would definitely be #1. The blue skies and yellow grass work really well together; plus I would just prefer blue on my wall rather than pink!
Posted by Stan Rose on October 22, 2009 at 6:32 PM
I like the red, Dean--nice!
Posted by Paul Wegemann on October 22, 2009 at 11:20 PM
Another vote for #2, but I do like the comp in 1.
Posted by Laurent Baig on October 23, 2009 at 6:09 PM
Ya know, #2 is definitely the ho' of the two. But I honestly prefer #1. Both in terms of composition, and color contrast, which I think is lacking in #2. I'd think you could bump up the saturation of the grasses a wee bit to make them glow in #1 and I think that would be the wall hanger. But, you know, most people are bulls and will gladly run to the sword
Discussion
22 repliesWhat sells me is the reflection of that sky in the water. A real beauty!
I actually prefer the composition of #1 with the narrowing of the water and the inclusion of the grasses in the foreground.
I'm with John on the preference for composition #1. I like the way the water flows from the bottom of the frame into the more pronounced S-curve in #1 and I also find the little tuft of grass in the LRC of #2 a bit distracting.
Also, although the sky is more dramatic in #2, I like the way the blue and gold compliment each other in #1.
My 2 centavos,
I would venture to guess that 9 out of 10 non photographers prefer #2 though...
Looks like everyone has hit the main points about composition. That said, the warm colors in #2 wins another vote from me.