These were taken at some distance in flat lighting. I'm going to have to go past this farm to watch for a repeat of the scene. I think the closer shot is better but wonder whether including the cowyard a bit helps to place the scene in its environment better. Do you think cropping off the stone wall and windows would be an improvement. Feel free to post any changes you might suggest.

My personal opinion is I like it with out the bottom section. I like just the barn and cats. I also think that a closer view would be great. But I would crop the top picture right at the top of the window, or the bottom of the red siding.

Chunk,

I think that composition is just awesome as is. The B&W cats and cows just have to go together. Great eye. On my monitor, however, the image is a little dull. I would try and brighten it up a little.

BR,
Tim

I like the cropped version more. I think the red wall on the left and the hay stacks convey that it is a barn well enough. I might also crop the windows under the cats as well.

Two wonderful pictures Chunk.
Tom

I like them both, Chunk. I like the closer version, but in that one, yes, I think you should crop out the wall and windows.
I like the version with the cows as well, because as someone else said...the black & white animals just look right together. But with that one, I would crop off some of the metal fence there.
Like I said, both good pix, regardless. :)
Emily

Thanks for all the replies to this. I guess I feel justified in my uncertainty seeing that opinions of these varied. I liked all the cropping suggestions and am having a couple of them printed for some cat-people friends of mine. This location isn't too far away and I will be driving by in good lighting conditions hoping for a repeat performance- the sky was overcast for these shots.