Golden Hour

Another summer backpacking image.

Which crop do you guys prefer? second is a little zoomed in, two verticals merged and cropped to 8 by 10 format.

Any comments/suggestions always appreciated.

Thanks for looking.

There is a little bit of fringing around the tree in this one, got a little lazy, will have to go back and fix that....

I think I like the first crop better. Although the 2nd crop works too..

Gosh, that's tough. I think it's 51% #2, 49% #1. But what an extraordinary shot(s)!

#1 seems more cohesive.

Wow, great shot! I prefer the first crop. The foreground is interesting, and seems almost like an extraneous or semi-distracting element in the second image. Plus, the vertical view and additional cloud lines at the top reinforce the soaring height of the peak.

Number 1 has more depth but these are both really good...I'd give a very slight edge to #1.

They are both very good. I also prefer the foreground in #1.
For me, the rocks and grassy area lead the eye into the composition and toward the peak.

Do I have to like one more than another? I like them both. If you made me choose...I might say number one, but couldn't explain why.

Both are nice! I usually like verticals for the added depth but the landscape crop catches my eye a little more for some reason, maybe giving the tree a little more room to breathe. Either works for me in either case.

Both are really quite nice but I do think the 1st is the stronger of the two.

I agree, number 1 is slightly ahead.

#1 for me as well. Great shots!

I'd love to have to choose between these two. More excellent mountain images from you Jeremy. I prefer #1, but only because you put it side by side with #2. Both are wonderful.

Looks unanimous...I agree with the others' thoughts here.
Another reason for my vote for #1 is that it shows less of the rather featureless sky on the left horizon and the cloud patterns just seem more dynamic (radiant).
Both are excellent, though!!

Amazing images but I vote #1 too.

Another vote for the vertical! Nice!

Ditto. #1 wins. More of the sky, foreground and the rocks and grass providing a leading line back into the image.

NIce light. I am tossing between the two. In #1, I would like to focus on the lit peak, but find the foreground rocks a little overbearing, although they are a nice element. Perhaps a slight crop from the bottom?

Verticals always seem to have more impact because of their orientation. Horizontals are more calming it has been stated. Something about being more stable. So, I think both work well on different emotional levels. So for me I agree that #1 has more "wow" factor. Great light and excellent comps in both.

I like #1 but personally would crop just a tad more from the bottom (right above the big black spot b/c I don't like that horiz. crack) and maybe shave a little off the RHS-but just personal preference. I don't think you can really go wrong with this image whatever you do!

You can't go wrong with either shot...the foreground in #1 is more striking, but the light on the mountain and the mountain itself in #2 really stands out. I guess whichever subject your prefer may determine which one you'll like more. Again, I'd be extremely happy with either.

I like the light better in #1 and on second looks (more like after the 15th look) I think I prefer #1.

I like #1. Really well done.

Both are fantastic! I prefer the first one, as the foreground really balances out the image for me.

I like the first Jeremy. The foreground rocks form a nice shape that's complimentary to rest of the image. I think its also a little more personal. I also like the look of the tree against the streaming clouds in the first.

Looks like #1 is it, but certainly keep #2. Maybe Beartooth Mountain at sunset, but can't be sure. Great work, I love it!

Beautiful image Jeremy, I'd like to go there! I like the vertical nature of #1 and the how the foreground rock leads you into the frame. In the second one the rock in the lower right doesn't serve the same function and even seems to just be sticking into the frame.

Thanks for all the comments and suggestions, looks like I'll be keeping the first one.

Dean a bit farther west.......

Really like the crop in the first image. I like more of the foreground.