Which Version Of Photograph Appeals More?

Cropped version.

Full would be good as stock for advertising as it has plenty of area for copy on the bottom, but that space on it's own is pulling my eyes down and to the left.

Being a big fan if Andrew Wyeth, I like negative space so I like the non-cropped one.

It also gives the dune a better perspective, imho.

David & Floyd - Excellent feedback. Thanks!

Bottom one.....

Rich

I prefer the top image! The bottom image is too balanced, IMHO.

Bottom for me but either one works and both are well done

I prefer the top one!

Top one. It just seems to flow better.

The cropped one.

I like the bottom one better. I feel the large 'static' horizontal area at the bottom adds balance to the more 'active' energy of the diagonals in the top part of the image.

Actually, I think I meant to say that I like the top one better. I should have just said the uncropped version.

top

Wow, you're going to have to pick eventually LOL. We're about evenly split.

I like the bottom one better. The top one leaves me feeling "up in the air". If that makes sense.

it would be easier if those were side by side, but they look the same to me. but i'd say the bottom one. while the top one has more of a story, like we are approaching that point. cosmetically the bottom one is more balanced looking.


----Mike Savad
http://www.MikeSavad.com

Good use of the Rule of Thirds in the cropped version. So I choose the 2nd one.

I think what David S. said about the top one being good for an ad with text is very insightful though.

I had not expected a sort of split decision on this one, although the majority seem to prefer the bottom (cropped) one. But thank you all for the very useful feedback. I'll have to revisit this in a little while to see if my mind is made up. Thanks again,

Robert

looks like peeps are evenly split on the aesthetics of the two. so what is your intention for the image? which version better fits what you envisioned for it when you created it?

Thomas -

I was simply trying to create as simple an image of the dunes as possible while still capturing the sensuous essence of the shapes. I included the bottom area to emphasize the size and volume of the dunes. I knew full well that I may crop the image later depending on my reaction when seeing it on my monitor.

Excellent question!

At first I likde the bottom one for the reasons already given. But looking again I like the top. While the bottom one has a neat and obvious composition that pops out, the top allows the eye to linger and ponder the various parts. In the long run I think I would rather have the top one that holds attention a little longer.

Bradford -

Your reaction was similar to my initial reaction, but I still seem to be going back and forth. With time, I will likely feel more strongly about one of them.

Thanks,

Well, do what I did the last time I asked for opinions, Robert. Post both with a few images in between them.

Mary -

You mean like this?

I would say, keep "both".... but do what Mary suggests..... space them far apart from one another. Let your potential buyer chose which he prefers.

Diana - Yes, I agree with placing them in separate positions in a collection, if I decide to keep both, But I think Mary was suggesting that I post them separated by other images in this discussion thread. I'm not sure it has helped me with my choice.

While the bottom one is more balanced, the top one probably represents better what you saw - I get a sense of the dunes, as it puts into perspective the relationship of the dunes and how dramatic that difference really is. And now looking again at the bottom one, for me, it is just shapes. So, I prefer your original, before cropping.

I agree with Mary and Diana ~ post both images and leave space in between or not. Surveys are fun but I don't think they carry much weight as you never know what the buyer will like. We have our own artistic opinions but it's the person who's putting down the cash that'll have the last say.

Top. Cropping removes 3D depth. Top looks more natural.

Thank you all for your feedback. I am choosing the uncropped version as my preferred version, but will likely keep both in my collections.

Robert

Robert P., you articulated what I could not.

Robert Woodward,

I agree, the uncropped version is my preference too..

It puts one in that sand dune.

"Being There" ,as the viewer, to me, is the ideal goal for the photographer to strive for when taking landscape photos.


As Jessica said the cropped version is "Too balanced", following the Rules of Thirds more closely.

Robert,

These two different aesthetics mark our generation. The top image is the long view, the bottom image the digital creation if you will.

Meaning if you watch an early 1970s movie you got the drawn out long opening. Star Wars etc.....

Now? Digitally created images, movies as the analogy, flow right to the action. No build up.

So do you sell a taste of nostalgia? Or something happening?

Both exist for our generation. The kids would have no clue what I am saying.

Dave Bridburg
https://Bridburg.com

# 1 " pops ".
#2 provides a sense of flowing serenity .

It's for two very different people.
And I am of the preference of number # 2 - because I need some stabilizing peace in my life.

Offer both.
Great pieces.

Roger, David, & Janine - Thanks for the feedback.


Robert

I like both images and would offer both.

What to me is a little distracting in the top one is, the size or weight of the distant dune is too equal to the space at the bottom. It would fit, with a little tilting, pretty neatly into that space. I like the division of space in the cropped version better. And I agree, my first thought also was that space in the uncropped version somehow does look like it would suit for copy of some sort. I keep thinking the distant dune looks like a pencil, not it that it matters. In this instance, in the top one, my eye keeps going from the expanse of space at the bottom, to the upper too similar in space portion/ distant dune.. then back, then to the dune again, what to me is in a conflicting but way. Maybe I am looking at it very abstractly. Both are nice, but as I said, to my eye a few distractions in the first one. There is only some slight cropping but it does change the look, and I think, maybe subtly the mood or feel of the piece.

I can appreciate both and recommend keeping both spaced apart in your collection as others say.

I personally prefer the first image more because the negative space creates more depth to me. It makes the dune look and "feel" bigger and creates more space from foreground to background. The second one just doesn't hold my attention as long as my eye doesn't have as much of a journey to take. everything is just right there. cool shot either way!

Robert, I meant post them both in your gallery but put a few photos between them. Not here in the thread, but it's nice to see some of your other work ;-). Off to take a closer look...

Jim, Ken, Chance, & Mary (again) - Thanks for your feedback.

Robert