To horizon or not

[xsport652]

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

[afdlips]

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.

[gahspidy]

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.

[Ronnoco]

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

[trog100]

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

[xsport652]

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.

[Rocket_Scientist]

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.