this way

[SmartWombat]

Two visions of the same scene, does either work ?

I'm not sure the first one, with fill flash, works because of the crazy angles of just about every bit of the stile and fence.
I'm happier with the second one, with dappled sunlight only. I think it's OK on my calibrated monitor but how is it for you?

[Mr Yuck]

For the first one, the light just seems flat. The angles are great though.

The second one is better, the light is more interesting, but the foreground board appears to be out of focus? The sunlight is a little harsh on the sign too, some kind of diffuser would be good.

This subject would be much better in a better light.

[SmartWombat]

Well, fill flash often makes it look flat
Yes, the focus was on the sign not the stile, deliberately.
And the whole point was to capture the dappled light through the trees on the sign.
I don't want a better light, that'd be boring !

But if they don't work, I'll leave it.

[Shooter Tiff]

I really like the second one. It draws my eye in and has a very dramatic feel to me.
I find the first one a little busy with nothing that really draws the eye.

[gahspidy]

The first one offers no mood and not a strong enough subject to carry it.
the second shot I find can hold my interest becuase of the moody natural lighitng and the close up focus on the tablet that presents the writing "PUBLIC FOOTPATH"
The out of focus piece of wood in the fg does not bother me as the main subject is in focus and holds my attention

[SmartWombat]

That's what I saw, Gary, and tried to capture.
Thanks, seems like I might have succeeded.

[freygr]

I like the second one better, just because of the lighting, and the first one seems too busy.

[harpervalley]

I prefer the second one. My challenge with the first one was to know where to look. The sign on the second drew my interest and because of the lighting I felt compelled to read it. I like the out of focus piece of wood in the foreground. It was not distracting to me.

[SmartWombat]

Thanks !
I find I'm leaning more towards moody lighting, or pastel colours, at the moment.
Or taking to the other extreme with bright, bold colours.
I swing between the two extremes.

[MB1]

The first one has too much in it and the light is bad.

The second one is just right. It is simple, it is easy to figure out what it is and there is some irony to go along with the great lighting, exposure and color.

One thumb way up.