Which one?

Which of these two photos do you prefer? (I’ll post more info with the photo below.)

When I originally posted these in 2008, the general consensus was for the first photo. I decided to play with the processing on them today, I do things a bit differently than I did back then, and was curious if the general consensus was any different. I currently have both on my website, and was debating about leaving both or removing one. I actually prefer the second, and wonder if opening up the flowers a bit more than I did in the original version sways anyone.

(I'll post the original versions below; thanks for any feedback!)

I like the 1st one best. Very pretty!

My 2 cents. My choice is also #1. I like the lower angle better, I run through the flowers to the peak beyond and soak everything in. In #2, my eye drifts to the left and it doesn't flow as well for me.

Both have great colors, and #2 isn't a bad comp, I just prefer #1.

I like the first one also. The prominence of the foreground flowers is why IMHO!

I prefer the first one but only if the FG shadows can be opened up a bit more. Both are very nice, keep them both. Regardless, your second go 'round with processing is much better.

Blast! I posted the photos in reverse order; my comments should be flipped. I prefer the first, and the original consensus was for the second.

Thanks for the comments!

I like the first much better, The lower angle gives a much better presentation of the FG flowers and the hill they are part of, the first's lower angle also eliminates the mid-range hill coming in on the right and IMO your processing has improved, with the greens and other colors appearing more vibrant.
I would stay with #1

New processing #2. Spacious, I can enjoy the color of the flowers and appreciate the scope of the landscape they're in. Beautiful, John.

I'm with Catherine on this one. And yes, beautiful.

#1. The shadow in #2 is distracting and #3 is too dark. #1 has good depth. If you were to remove the shadow on the left of #2 I would definitely go for that one because of the excellent colors, even though they are more muted than #1. The blue in the shadow of the mountains needs to be removed from #1.

Both are good, John. And the new processing has helped to make them pop even more. I like number 1 the best. I agree with the comments that it's more engaging, draws the viewer into the scene. Also, I think the lack of blue flowers in the foreground helps to move my eye to the background. I agree that the shadow in the mountain has a bit of a blue cast that can easily be corrected. If you can bring just a touch out of the foreground shadows, it would help as well. Either way, these are both great images.

I like #1 better as well. The concentration of color in the foreground gives it more unity, and my eye is drawn back to the cup structure of the distant mountain, making my eyes flow between it and the flowers.

In the second image, there is a Z line running from bottom left up to the right and back out of the frame with that cool looking ridge facing left (and the clouds breaking up there too). While I like the look of that ridge (and the slope and trees below it) it makes the image too chaotic. You might go back sometime and play with the lines in that second image making that ridge the background subject.

John, I like #1 as well, great shot , well done.

I really like #1. Your processing has improved significantly since you first posted the images! I like the color of the foreground flowers and the diagonal line created by the middle ridge. The cumulus cloud in the sky is a nice touch as well.

Personally I prefer #2 due to the richer field of blooms and the overall composition isn't distracted by the dark spaces in the foreground as exhibited by #1. I'd possibly increase the local contrast on the hill ridges in #2 but that's really subjective. The cloud on the right in #2 clipping the edge of the frame isn't ideal (cleaner in #1) but the beautiful field of flowers more than compensates for it.

I like the deeper greens in the hillside on the first one, but I really enjoy the angle on the second one. It feels more sweeping and full. I get more of a sense of scale on the second.