I prefer the more subtle tones in the first one. In the second one you've upped the blacks and I think that makes it too contrasty (for my taste).
Hi Kathy,
I also prefer the first, although I'd like the top of the trees in shot.
Not only is the second apparently more contrasty, it is about half a stop less 'exposure', comparing histograms.
My week 5 will be a snow scene I shot this morning, so I hope I do it right
(of course there is no 'right' really)
Cheers,