To horizon or not

A local swell on the NJ coast.
Please tell me which you like best and why,
Thanks.

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c3.../lookoutBM.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c3...lookoutBM2.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c3...lookoutBM3.jpg

Nice shot and awesome composition. this is a toughy, but personally i favor the first one because it makes the ocean seem so emensely large and such a small man is going to ride the beast. however they all are appealing in their own way. that is interesting.

I prefer the first, with the inclusion of the horizon. The horizon adds a stronger feeling of depth and also brings a dynamic relationship in size between the surfer and the ocean in front of him.

The problem with both is the narrow depth of field. The wave is an important part of the photo composition-wise and should be in sharp focus.

Ronnoco

yes.. not much point in useing f2.8 in good light unless u intended the waves to be well out of focus.. but ronnoco might well be right..

trog

Thanks for your opinions guys. I do realize I shouldn't have done 2.8. I did want to isolate the bodyboarder but 2.8 isn't needed I could have done something like 4.5 or 5.

I do agree that sharper focus--all the way to the horizon, in my opinioin--would be better. So, naturally, I prefer the first crop. The latter shots look like a guy going for a dip... but the first gives the impression of someone about to conquer the sea.