Please vote.

[mn shutterbug]

I'm going to be setting up at a show in a couple weeks and one of the 16 X 24 prints is going to be of one of these 2 loons. I like one and my wife likes the other. I know I've posted these before, but I really need to know which people prefer. Comments aren't necessary, but votes are. Thanks much.

[mjs1973]

Mike,

I like the exposure on the second image better than the first, but I like the loon better in the first image. I think the plumage is more of what I would expect to see in a loon, and I think the head is sharper. My only issue with the first image as that I think the water is a bit too bright. You could try to darken it down a bit, but that may make the head blend into the BG too much.

All that being said, my vote is for #1.

[Frog]

first one.

[fx101]

First one the head is the focal point, the second the feathers are the focal point. This is why the first image looks sharper. on the other hand, you nailed the second exposure. I'd go with the first one and a tiny bit of warming, increased saturation, and decrease in highlights (shadow/highlights tool). That should be a winner.

[brmill26]

First one.

[Anbesol]

first one,