Which do think is better?

jeffmeyers

This is my original shot:



But I went back and re-capured it to get a different feel and the clouds were better.

Bruce Novotney

I think #1 stands out for me. Both are beautiful!

Awais Yaqub

1st works for me. I also like POV of 2nd but colors and clarity of 1st is very beautiful, 2nd looks little soft

Abiciriderback

I personally like the first shot better the reflection is more pronounced and to me doesn't look quite as wide angle shot as second picture. Both are very cool. But the first is the ticket for me.

Ray Still

Swartzy

#1 is great...I do like a few more clouds in #2...how bout blending the two together? The trees on the right of #2 aren't as sharp as the first. Really cool stuff.

jeffmeyers

Thanks, everyone. Those are helpful comments. For some reason the second image rendered mushy and unsharp here. I don't think I sized it right when I uploaded it. I just replaced it with a better version.

Cato

Both are so beautiful, how can I choose?

1st one the reflection is more integral to the success of the shot, whereas #2 is more about the arch and the overall tonality.

IMO, of course...

SimonMW

I like number 1 the best. It looks more like a sci fi painting! it also doesn't have the slightly distracting square buildings in it. I like the way the arch appears slightly translucent in 1 too. The arch is also better framed by having the tree on the left as well as the trees leading in from the right, and the shape of the lake helps to lead into the photo as well.

In summary I would say that number 2 is a photo of a place, whereas number 1 is a vision of a place.

Bruce Novotney

I still like #1 the best. It appears to have been shot from a little higher angle so pool comes into play at little more.

black mamba

Hi Jeff,

I'll go with number 1. It appears more dramatic to me and benefits from not having the distracting elements of the buildings.

Tom

Elaine

I like #1 as well. Both are beautiful though!

jamesl

For me the first one stands out. I prefer the stronger reflection, and the framing of the shot. Great job on both of them.

James

CatOne

I like the composition of #1 better. The curves in the foreground pond and stillness of the water are really nice. I agree the clouds on #2 are better... maybe a chance to go back a 3rd time and get the best of both.

I really like the IR treatment.

JMP

2nd one, although the Arc should be closer to the center and more water space for the reflection... anyways both are great, one day ill get closer to that quality myself, one day!
cheers!

Travis

#1 is my pick of the 2. The smoothness of the water really makes the image for me.

endsoftheearth

Aesthetically and photographically, number 2 is easily the best interpretation of the scene.

1. The sky has much more drama.

2. the arch shows much more detail and drama in its structure. You can see the reflection of the individual stainlesss steel panels, the glint of sun of the right side, and just much more clarity of the architecture.

3. The water is much better with a little more breeze disturbance. It's almost always better for a reflection NOT to mirror the reflected elements. You know what it is without having it duplicated or being redundant. Much more of an artistic look.

4. I don't necessarily like the obvious look of the concrete pool. Just the water being there is much more visually appealing.

5. Again, just the trees leaning into the scene is ok, without having to show the base of the trees.

6. Number 2 just has more immediate drama. Dramatic eye appeal is where it's at!

endsoftheearth

Oh, I almost forgot to add to my last commet. I would definitely clone out the buildings. Absolutely.

lisap

I like #1 the best because I like the perspective that it's taken from. But I'd like it even more with the more dramatic sky from #2.

Both are fantastic though!!

-- Lisa P.