Help me pick better version

pyrtek

When I took this picture of a swan (which attacked me as a result, by the way)
I focused on getting the swan straight in the frame, which causes the horizon
to tilt, as you can see:







so I did a bit of straightening:






Can you help me decide which one is better? I'm not convinced that the
straightened version is better, since some of the surroundings are lost
in the crop and the swan looks a bit different.

Thanks.

RogersDA

I actually prefer the straightened version. I also think it would be a bit better without the lighthouse sticking out of the goose's back.

pyrtek

RogersDA wrote:

I actually prefer the straightened version.

Thanks for your vote.

RogersDA wrote:

I also think it would be a bit better without the lighthouse sticking out of the goose's back.

It was very difficult to compose the shot. I was almost lying on the ground
and the bird wasn't very cooperative - it kept moving around. I guess I could
try cloning the lighthouse out. In fact, I'll try that tonight. Thanks again.

Ric Grupe

Straight is much better.

This is how I see the crop...a better composition IMO. BTW, a very pretty shot.

Maestro

Both are nice, very good in fact, but I prefer the second.

hawkeye978

I prefer the second also. The tilt of the horizon in the first really bothers me.

Harv

To me a horizon that isn't level never looks right. For that reason alone, I prefer the second version.

pyrtek

Thanks, everybody! Second one it is.

Dick on Aruba

I choose also for the 2nd pic. Awesome sky, well done.

Thanks for sharing,

Dick.

pyrtek

Thanks, Dick.

W.W. Webster

I'm with Ric!

pyrtek

Thanks, W.W.W. I love your dictionary, btw.

ShepsMom

Absolutely the #2, it's a very beautiful shot, you should be proud!! Great composition (with crop) and very rich colors.

pyrtek

ShepsMom wrote:

Absolutely the #2, it's a very beautiful shot, you should be proud!!

Well then, I'm gonna be.

ShepsMom wrote:

Great composition (with crop) and very rich colors.

Thanks!