Which do you prefer?

I'm curious as to which of these two Kilauea lava flow pictures people prefer. #1 (this one) or #2 (below)

Thanks!

#2

Grant, for me, #1 has a bit more initial impact, but these are both wild and wonderful. Why do we have to choose? I choose both.

#1

#1.

I guess it would depend on what the end use of the image will be. If you are looking for something that shows a classic view of a basaltic lava flow/eruption then #1 would be the pick. However, if you are looking for a more surreal depiction of the creation of new land, then I would pick #2. Both are awesome shots!

#1

#1 describes the context more precisely but #2 had a far more visceral impac. Great shots and I agree...dont't make me choose!

Another vote for #1.

Yet another vote for #1, just for the immediate impact.

I'm going to go with #2. They're both great, but I really like the rock outlines on the right side of #2.

Definitely #1.

I like #1 slightly better, the detail and patterns in the smoke add a little more interest to me.

I like #2 more.

I like #1 better. The rising smoke is more defined in it.

#2. I favor the surreal. Has a nice flow to the top and makes you wonder, What is that?

Numero uno.

Another vote for the surreal #2

#1! So much more energy!!
Pat Buys

it's numero uno for me.

I've been there more times that I can count. Awesome place. I'd have to say #1 is more interesting.

Add another to the surrealists, #2-really like the depth the LRC gives to this one as well

My vote is #1

One!

Another minority vote for #2. I like the movement of the smoke. Both are excellent!

Thanks! #1 it is...I was leaning in that direction at first...

Uno!!

1!

I'd say #2, if you could pull back on the exposure just a little bit. I like #2 because you can see the ocean, thus there's more of a clue as to what we're looking at. The first one could be mistaken for a forest fire. Regardless, they're both awesome!

Grant,

I prefer #2...I like the motion of the smoke/fog/clouds. There also seem to be more interesting elements working for it. Cool subject!

#1 does it for me, too...

2

Grant,

#1 describes the situation a bit more obviously for me. The rock is nicely lit and the plume of smoke/steam/lava at the center is very cool.

#2 is a bit more abstract (especially taken out of context of comparison). More Northernlightish, abstract what-the-heck feeling.

Both are very nice. I guess it depends on use

I like the first one. There seems to be more drama in the image.