Which shot is stronger ?

[Alpha_7]

I had a little outing with the camera and the 80-200 2.8 at lunch as I wasn't feeling hungry. Here are 3 shots taken from the same spot but framed very differently and I'm interested as to which one you feel is a stronger photo, or if you think they are all rubbish, do say so.

#1


#2


#3


Thanks!

[wendellt]

3rd one
composition is more challenging the tight crop also invites the viewer inand the abstractness of it allows for deeper contemplation on the image

[sheepie]

agree with Wendell (see, I MUST be arty!!!)

The background in the other two is too distracting. In the third, it is clear what the subject is, but there is still enough of the background to put it in context, and create interest.

[Nikkofan]

Sorry guys, I disagree.

2nd one for sure - the 3 layers of depth I find much more interesting (ie: foreground in focus, then ship is 2nd layer, Bridge is 3rd layer.) Tells much more of a story to me, hence more interesting.

[pharmer]

#3 all the way

Sometimes it is better to crop the main object in the compostion to create an abstract idea. The mind has to think about the image

The other two images are not compelling at all.

[PiroStitch]

#3. The curve of the cropped lifesaver almost mimics the curve of the coat hanger in the background, which creates more of an appeal for me.

[Mal]

mmmmm doughnuts! I think that you must have subconsciously been thinking about food here.
And number three all the way for me.

[whiz]

Yep. Definately #3!

[daniel_r]

#3 as well. The focus is clean and the subject is clearly identifiable. the background adds interest without overpowering the subject. It's the pick here.

#2 - too centre orientated, but the focus is spot on, as is the DOF plane.

#1 - I've been trying to figure out where the actual focus was set in this image - I've found this happens occasionally with the D70 in some of my shots too.

[CraigVTR]

#3 because it adds the texture of the rope to the image. However, I feel the lifesaver could have done with a tiny bit more exposure. Fill flash maybe.

Craig

[smac]

I agree with the majority, #3 is the pick of the bunch.

It would be interesting to have seen all three images displayed with the same image size, sometimes a larger image (like #3) can be more eye catching just because it is larger.

[mudder]

I like the first because of the strong focus on the life-saver thing with the hint of the location in the background, but prefer the third for the strongest, most appealing composition, well for me anyway...

[Matt. K]

#3 because it has a repeating shape that unifies the composition.

[obzelite]

#3 best by far.

#2 red boat is to distracting, you find your eyes can't just be drawn in without darting around.

#1 is a happy snap.

[Killakoala]

#1 and #3 equally. I think they are both better than #2. There is too much other detail in #2.

[marcotrov]

#3 for me too Craig the sharpness of the partially disclosed but obvious life buoy complements and balances the much harder to define but intriguing elements in the background. Well done.
cheers
marco

[SteveGriffin]

Gosh I just like #3.

[Zeeke]

Number 3 for me aswell.. then number 1... too much clutter for my liking in 2.. ur eye is drawn to the ship in the background


Tim

[Alpha_7]

Thanks everyone for the feedback, I was actually expecting a lot of people not to like them, so I'm surprised by some of the feedback.

I failed to mention when I posted the shots, they are straight from camera as I didn't have access to CS2.

For me I prefer #3 as the shapes mirror each other and the OOF boat blends well with the lifesaving ring.

[terminaltackle]

Another vote for No3, I liked it so much, It just inspires me to look at things differently when composing different shots

[Alpha_7]

Thanks TerminalTackle.

In the afternoon light I revisted the same ring and fired off two quick shots before the light faded. One with fill flash and one without, its interesting to see the difference the light makes to pretty much the same shot just a few hours apart.



The second I tried some fill flash.

[terminaltackle]

Definatly the first without the fill light. for me this time
Brett

[radar]

Hi Craig,

the one here without the flash. The end of the day makes for some very nice shadows, adds depth to the photo,

well done,

André

[Potatis]

The one I like most is the one you haven't posted yet. Post it.

[ozczecho]

Craig,

Definately the 1st one of the 2nd series. Looks like the fill flash was a bit too strong. Also I think the framing is better in the 1st pic of the 2nd series vs the 3rd picture of the 1st series hope that made sense.

[Alpha_7]

The one I like most is the one you haven't posted yet. Post it.

This is the version Doug prefers, its the 1st shot of the second batch, but cropped to be more rule of thirdsy.



Thanks again for all the feedback.

[Alex]

Craig, definately the one without flash or 3rd one in the first series.

Alex

[Slider]

Craig, I deliberately didn't look at what others were saying before I made my pick.

3 (just in case you weren't convinced )

[big pix]

all 3 do very little for me......... the shot has very little substance.......

[byrt_001]

hi

i think the first one without the fill flash, more of the ropes, is good.
the last one, with the crop, looses too much.

thanks for sharing

christian

[Sandy Feet]

#3 for me as well, I do still find the boat a little distracting, I think it would be a better shot with just the lifesaver and the bridge background

Cheers
Rod