Help Deciding on Output Media and which photo

BradfordBenn

Hello All-

So I moved offices at work, and my new office has these big expanses of wall that I need to do something with. I want to put up a print of a photo I took. I have gotten it narrowed down to two photos, I then went in and followed Scott Kelby's directions for color correction and printer profile information on SmugMug since I am planning on printing through them. However the part that I am having the trouble with is which picture and then after that, which media. (I have both a Pro and Power account) I like both pictures equally and would be happy with each I just want it to be really striking and impressive on the wall. So with that in mind, I would appreciate any suggestions or comments.

The gallery is here if you want to get the photo info etc. The captions indicate what each one is.

These are the SOC shots:
#1


or

#2


These are the ones I am considering
#1


or

#2


Thanks for looking and for suggestions.

SteveM

BradfordBenn wrote:

I like both pictures equally and would be happy with each I just want it to be really striking and impressive on the wall. So with that in mind, I would appreciate any suggestions or comments.

These are the SOC shots:
#1

Hi Brad,

I'm one of the image specialists here at SmugMug. I really prefer image #1. The large scale and angle are really dramatic and shows depth that would be stunning in a large print. The #2 image is more intimate and tied closer to the game itself, but #1 for me really shows the atmosphere and lots of drama.

The image itself is corrected pretty well, but from the net down, and especially the ice, looks a bit over exposed. That's a problem with this kind of "hot spot" stadium lighting, but is easily fixed if you have access to Adobe Camera RAW (which also works on JPGs), or Lightroom2, both by using their adjustment brushes. You just paint (mask) the area, then dial in a new exposure and brightness. So quick and easy. For this image, I'd use two different adjustments, one for the netting (slight) and one for the wall and ice (more aggressive).

As for the media, that's such a toughy. This image should print well using any media you like, but is really a matter of taste and what you like. It'd be great as a gloss print, metallic would be stunning and give lots of depth and flash, and canvas has that warm and fuzzy studio feel. Maybe some others can weigh in on that front to let us know what their favorite is, and what kind of vibe it gives them.

BradfordBenn

Thanks Steve. Still trying to figure it out and looking and thinking. Any other comments?

Andy

Metal. Definitely.

CWSkopec

I like both shots, but I'm going to have to go and agree with the experts... #1 seems better suited for what you're looking for, and it would look AWESOME on metallic paper!

Quitarita

CWSkopec wrote:

I like both shots, but I'm going to have to go and agree with the experts... #1 seems better suited for what you're looking for, and it would look AWESOME on metallic paper!

I prefer #1 as well. I prefer the composition a little more. Both are good though.

BradfordBenn

Thanks for the comments. Now that I am back from another work trip, I am off to do some ordering

Big Metal Print

BradfordBenn

Thanks one and all for the suggestions
I should have cleaned my office before snapping this picture but it is framed and hung. I learned a few things during the process...

1. Metallic prints rock:D
2. Make sure you understand how the matte system works on the frame you purchase.
3. If you have a cool picture behind your desk, people keep coming back to look at it
4. Don't forget that your wife got you a smaller version of the same image framed