Which Is Better (Warning - blatant mountain bike action)

[Photo-John]

Which one of these do you like better? And please tell me why. Be as specific as possible. Remember, the critic learns from articulating what they like and don't like. This is a two way street

Thanks in advance for your feedback!

[Greg McCary]

#2. I like how the trail and flowers lead into the rider. On the first one I think the rider is just to close to the camera. Others may disagree. Nice shot John.

[Photo-John]

#2. I like how the trail and flowers lead into the rider. On the first one I think the rider is just to close to the camera. Others may disagree. Nice shot John.

Thanks, Greg. I think I agree with you. But I really like the sense of action and tension in the other image. Plus, you can see the rider's face better. But I am leaning towards your decision as well.

By the way, those are both E-520 photos

[mjs1973]

I too like the second image the best. I find the subject matter of these two photos to be very different, and I like the subject in number two better.

For me, the second image seems much more peaceful. I see the main subject in the 2nd photo to be the scene, not the rider. By placing the rider, smaller in the frame, and giving the viewer more scene to take in, it makes for a much more relaxing image. When I see mountain scenes, I think of relaxing and spending time enjoying the beauty of nature, and that is what this image portrays to me. The rider appears to be enjoying a relaxing ride along the mountain trail, whereas the rider in the first image seems to be "tearing up" the mountain trail. This may or may not be the case, but this is how I perceive this image.

The rider is the main subject of the first image and adds a lot of tension to the photo. This is not a bad thing, but for me, it's not what I think of when I see pretty wildflowers on the mountain side. The first image just has a more aggressive vibe to it, and the second image has a much more relaxing feel going on. That is why I like number 2.

Of course if I was into mountain biking, I may choose number one, for the exact opposite reasons.

[Photo-John]

I too like the second image the best. I find the subject matter of these two photos to be very different, and I like the subject in number two better.

For me, the second image seems much more peaceful. I see the main subject in the 2nd photo to be the scene, not the ride. By placing the rider, smaller in the frame, and giving the view more scene to take in, it makes for a much more relaxing image. When I see mountain scenes, I think of relaxing and spending time enjoying the beauty of nature, and that is what this image portrays to me. The rider appears to be enjoying a relaxing ride along the mountain trail, whereas the rider in the first image seems to be "tearing up" the mountain trail. This may or may not be the case, but this is how I perceive this image.

The rider is the main subject of the first image and adds a lot of tension to the photo. This is not a bad thing, but for me, it's not what I think of when I see pretty wildflowers on the mountain side. The first image just has a more aggressive vibe to it, and the second image has a much more relaxing feel going on. That is why I like number 2.

Of course if I was into mountain biking, I may choose number one, for the exact opposite reasons.

Very good. You articulated the difference between the two photos very well. I hadn't thought of them as having different subjects. But you're absolutely right. And I think that's part of the reason I am conflicted. As a mountain biker, I enjoy both subjects. But I feel I have to make a commitment to one and let the other go. I am also leaning towards the second one. But I like the tension of the first one. I was there. I rode that bit of trail. And that's more what it felt like. But overall, I think the second image is stronger and more universal.

As for tearing up the trail - not really. You should see what the horses do to it

[gahspidy]

I agree, I feel the second shot is a better composition and leads one's eye through the photo. It is more of a landscape shot with the rider being an extra element of interest.
In the genre of "mountain Bike Action" shot then the first one would take the nod because it is about the rider. It too is a good composition, although I agree with Greg it could use a bit more room above the rider. (not too hard to do by adding a little canvas and cloning in some additional foliage) The thing that holds it back for me most is it's straight on view of the rider and not enough seen of his face or expression. I do still feel it is pretty good, but that is my nitpik as to what could have brought it up another notch for me.

[cruzthepug]

Would agree with the others that the second one has more of a landscape feel. but being an avid mountain biker, I like the first one better. Along with the landscape surounding the trail I can feel what the rider is feeling. Being behind the saddle and on the brakes, I can feel the steepness of the trail and seeing his face I can almost anticapate the next rock to have to roll over.

Both are very nice, but for me, I prefer the first.

Steve

[Photo-John]

Cool! Thanks, Steve. It's good to get a mountain biker's point-of-view. And I'm glad to hear it gives you a feel for the trail. That was probably one the top five rides I've ever done. It was way out in the middle of nowhere in the Bitteroot Mountains in Montana - about as remote as you can get in the Continental US. I want to get back up there before the season is over to ride and shoot again. I came out of it with about 5 good images. But there are endless photos to be had on that trail. Not to mention tons more trails to ride...

[GB1]

Hands down I will take the one with the larger biker. He adds to the shot imo though I don't think his face being mostly dark works all that well (if you have PS try doing a gradual lightening to lighten up the upper part of the pic).

[Photo-John]

Hands down I will take the one with the larger biker. He adds to the shot imo though I don't think his face being mostly dark works all that well (if you have PS try doing a gradual lightening to lighten up the upper part of the pic).

So, do you fall into the mountain bike camp or do you just like the one with the rider better?

Thanks for the editing advice. But this one has been pushed as far as it can go, I think. Anymore and his face will start looking like a speckled easter egg

[GB1]

John - Neither for nor against mountain bikers. I have one, which makes me a for, but since I'm a runner I'm jealous when they cruise by me like butter which makes me an against.

It's pathway is ideal for the biker being in there. I think the shot with the smaller biker looks vacant. Good saturated look to the foliage btw.

[hollis]

#1 is a better mtn bike photo
Looks like the rider is off the saddle, so it looks a bit funny.
Is the trail that steep?
I would like a tighter crop on the 1st pic
The bottom 1/3 of that pic isn't working for me.
Crop it & you concentrate the flowers closer to the rider.
as is...it leaves room for your eye to wander.

In the 2nd pic I'd like to see more of the rider.
I like the diagonal line of the trail & the verticals...the trees & rider.

[Frog]

Not a mountain biker here but I think I'm going with the first one. Yes the face is a bit dark and I'm distracted by the bright rocks on the right but the subject is prominent but still allowing enough surroundings to set the scene.
To me the 2nd one would make a fairly nice forest scene without the rider. He's so much in the bg that he just is a distraction to the scene. However if you've got enough pixels there you could crop to him coming through those trees and then it would be a better shot than the first.
I tried it with our new mouse that has a magnifier on it and can be shaped vertical or horizontal so I can check out crops really easy. Its cool!

[dumpy]

I'll echo MJS's point about them being two very different images, #1 being an action shot, #2 being a landscape.

Personally I'm going for #1, for several reasons. I like the way the trail leads up to the rider from the corner of the image, the flowers seem larger and more vibrant and I love the sense of action, the rider (with brakes noticeably on) negotiating the twisty root/rock strewn trail. For the record, I'm a mountain biker.

#2 seems too dark in spots and personally I would crop a bit off the bottom, probably just above that bottom rock.

Don't get me wrong, I do like #2, but not as much as #1.

[Grandpaw]

I am in the camp that says these are two pictures portraying two different subjects. It is like being on a boat and taking a picture of some subjects on the back deck setting around relaxing having a few drinks and then having a second shot with them all having fishing rods in their hands with one pulling in a big fish that is jumping out of the water. One of these shots would portray a scene of relaxation and the other would show action. Both pictures may be very good pictures but like in these two pictures I would prefer the one showing the action. I guess it all depends on the feeling you are trying to show.

Yes I go with the first shot. I don't think there is a right or wrong here, just a matter of what you want the picture to express, Jeff

When you read the subject line (Warning- blatant mountain bike action) this would automatically eliminate the second shot and point to the first shot if your subject line is what you were trying to express in a photograph!

[Kajuah]

First one for sure based on everything said above

[skinnymachink]

i am also with the first shot i feel you get more detail with the flowers and the rider and they both work well together in the image. i feel i am looking at less in the second shot and it feels a bit empty, that is why it does not work for me as well as the first.

[Photo-John]

First one for sure based on everything said above

Tell me more. In your own words. It's a good exercise and it will help you be a better photographer. I promise. The critique works both ways. I wouldn't be the photographer I am now without actively participating in the critique process. So c'mon - give it a shot

[California L33]

It depends upon what you're trying to convey. The first one (with the cyclist in the distance) has dramatic composition. As 'art' that's the clear winner. The cyclist's mother and any mountain bike magazine would prefer the other one.

[Photo-John]

i am also with the first shot i feel you get more detail with the flowers and the rider and they both work well together in the image. i feel i am looking at less in the second shot and it feels a bit empty, that is why it does not work for me as well as the first.

I'm not trying to defend the photo. I'm here to gracefully accept all criticism

But I thought I'd explain how it looks to me, as a photographer and a mountain biker. First I see the flowers and they draw me into the photo. Then I notice how green the foliage is. Then I notice the rider up at the top, pinning it between the two trees. His body language tells me he's going fast. And then I follow the line of the trail back down and do it all over again, and again, and again, and again. It's a good ride

Even though this photo might appear "empty" to you, the trail and ride tell a story. I can see where he's going and the wonderful environment he's in. Makes me want to ride that trail. Hell - I did ride that trail. And I want to ride it again!

[skinnymachink]

I'm not trying to defend the photo. I'm here to gracefully accept all criticism

But I thought I'd explain how it looks to me, as a photographer and a mountain biker. First I see the flowers and they draw me into the photo. Then I notice how green the foliage is. Then I notice the rider up at the top, pinning it between the two trees. His body language tells me he's going fast. And then I follow the line of the trail back down and do it all over again, and again, and again, and again. It's a good ride

Even though this photo might appear "empty" to you, the trail and ride tell a story. I can see where he's going and the wonderful environment he's in. Makes me want to ride that trail. Hell - I did ride that trail. And I want to ride it again!

When i say empty it is only in comparison to the 1st image they are both great images and i would hate my comments to be unconstructive i just like the first shot more.