The River (2 shots)--Opinions?

[swmdrayfan]

Two shots taken last Friday. Same time(10:58 am), same place. Worked in a trial version of NC4. Which looks better?
The sky wasn't much help. Your thoughts?
John

shot one: 70mm, 1/200 sec @ f10, AP, matrix metering


shot two: 52mm, 1/1000sec @ f4.5, AP, matrix metering

[gahspidy]

John, this is an interesting comparison. I like the composition of the top image (70mm) because it includes more water in the fg lending the needed space under the tree at the right, less of the sky, and the river is flowing out into the right portion of the scene as opposed to center in the bottom image.
Now, I prefer the softer look overall of the bottom image, which was taken at a wider aperture and might have helped soften the scene a bit in comparison to the other taken at f10.
The top image might look very well in print with all the details eveident, but on the monitor I prefer the softer look of the bottom shot.
All said and done, I would go with the better composition of the top image.

[freygr]

I like the wider shot as I see more of the river and the far trees didn't loose their tops. My self I would of used a much wider lense if I had one or had stiched together more that one image to give even a wider view.

[jar_e]

The second gets my vote, it's almost an artistic feel to it. The sky is a tad blown out for me though I still think it works.

Nice shot.

[swmdrayfan]

The second gets my vote, it's almost an artistic feel to it. The sky is a tad blown out for me though I still think it works.

Nice shot.

I swear, I'm going back to these places this summer. Nothin' like blue sky.