into the frame or out?

Checking these I realised that the woman in the background mirrors the biker's pose, either looking into or out of the frame.
Which works best and why?

Both work for me. In fact, I think these two photos should be shown together. Just call them "In & Out", "Left or Right" or something like that :)

BTW, the one with them looking out of the frame looks better because it has higher contrast.

I'm for out. With the out I settle on his face and roam about a bit to the jacket and bike. With the in, I follow his gaze into the sky area and settle on the TESCO sign. - Terry

I say out as well. Mainly because the bg people help to re-enforce the concept. The "in" bg people, make the photo a bit busy.

SmartWombat,

Well done on both pictures! When I first saw it, I thought it was one of those "see how many differences you can find" type of games, except in this case, it's more like find as many opposites. Very intriguing photos and well done on the timing.

Of the two pictures, I like the "looking in" picture a bit more. I like how the "V" shape made up by the biker's right forearm, mirror and the lady in the leather jacket frames the subsequent distant "V" shapes-- the second elderly couple and the inverted "V"s of the white tents. My eyes just want to go further and further into the distance looking for more "V"s.

Respectfully,

iyuphoto

I like out better. I get a sense that the man is looking forward to getting back on the road in the "out" picture. Also not a fan of the lady eating the snack while facing the camera in the center of the "in" picture.

Out for me, prefer the composition plus the colours and detail are better and a few of the people in the background have moved on.

Out.

It is less distracting and he and the biker lady are looking in opposite directions, as if the were looking for something.

All I notice outside of his garish garb is his pre-Hinckley Triumph belt buckle and he's leaning on what must be a Harley.

This could be a classic. Great shot. Did you have him pose or what? You just nailed it.

I stood there, waiting, until I had him looking both ways.
I didin't notice the biker lass in the background was mirroring him until reviewing on the laptop.

For those not familiar with the store, the Tesco shop in the background is built as a 1960s store in the yellow colours of the period, not the modern red and blue/white.
I remember them that way :)

The designer in me says into the frame.

Out for me. They both have the look of knowing they are being watched, are very pleased they are being watched, yet don't want to let on to anyone how pleased. The outward glances reinforces that "whatever" attitude. Great capture!

I prefer out. I get an instant feel of being closed in from the other.

Either way. I like them both. Nice timing.