Shot these two while at the lake today. I am trying to get a good enough photo to enter in a local art show. I have had a couple of people bugging me to enter some photos in the "People Choice" art show at our local museum. I have a couple of photos picked out, but I need one more. Let me know what you think of these. Which one do you like better or do both of them stink.

#2

Secong one is kind of over exposed, with a shadowing issue.Though it si a bit better focused than number1. Pay attention to your signature too.Hanging off the frame. OK that's straight in MHO like you asked. Strong point is you cropped it right,and the thorn on #2

Thanks Doug, I might work on the curves or levels of number 2. The sig was just for the web post, will not be part of what I submit to the show. So you like #2 better, especially if Can tone down the exposure a little.

i like #2 better also. it's a beautiful capture! this is just a personal thing, but i prefer the leaf smaller. with the first one it kinda feels like it's in my face. i like DOF better in the second one too. you could definitely fix those things doug mentioned. good luck!!! :)

#2 is far better in all aspects (even the thorn has an important function in the whole 'balance' of the compo)! GOOD LUCK :) !!!

The 1st one has that out of focus vine in the foreground that really distracts me! The 2nd one is a much better composition! (But I still find that vine distracting - just not as much as in the 1st image) As Doug stated...using the curves function would really bring out the veiny details in that leaf! With your permission... I could post some examples! Just let me know! L8r! Joe

Have at it Joe, love to see what you come up with.

I agree with 2nd being the best.

Ok here is the 2nd one with a little more work done to it. Tone down the exposure, also did some selective sharping and contrast adjustment to the leaF. Better?

Definately more detail in the leaf. But you need to work on your selection skills. Alot of dark patches around the leaf. Not good.

Good eye, I know I am tried but geez you would think I could see that before I post. Should be easy to fix, since I used a layer mask. Just have to paint back to the edge.

In this case you'll probably benefit from your color layers to make a mask. If you look into the green layer the leaf probably sticks out against an almost black background. That should help with the masking.

Thanks for the tip!

Without reading any of the other replies which might affect my choice...the 2nd one does it for me. :)

ok...after reading :P

I agree that though the composition is better on the second one, it lacks some depth in colour department. What do you use to edit with? I use Photoshop and the best tool I've found in that is a Curves Adjustment Layer.

The image attached was modified in about 1 minute with a curves adjustment layer. Its not what Im saying you should do with the image, but an example of the effect you can acheive without messing about with selecting one element of the image with a selection tool. I hope you dont mind me fiddling with yor image ;)

Nice job. The curves adjustment is my weakest point, in my already weak PS skills. Thanks for showing me what can be done. I have purchased the book PS for Digital Photographers. I am hoping that will help me.

Definitely the second one for me too! I think a slight level adjustement and a 'lil selective sharpening would do it! A super shot btw! Very stylish!