Which Do You Prefer?

[Winston1013]

Two versions of the same shot. Different post-production creates different emotional responses. Which do you prefer?

The bigger the photo, the more the impact.

The shot itself is a detail from the side of the Pennsylvania Museum of Art. Very nice (large) museum.

exif is f/4.0 for 1/125 at 29mm. Iso 160.

Thanks for looking. C&C desired, as always.

Philadelphia Art Museaum Detail 1 by Ian Veitzer, on Flickr

Philadephia Art Museum Detail 2 by Ian Veitzer, on Flickr

[Davejl]

For me the glass has a more dramatic appearance in the first image and the stonework is more interesting in the second. I find the upper part of the shots a bit distracting, especially the very bright area above the glass in the first. I'd be inclined to crop at the top of the glass and maybe also darken the glass visible laterally to the columns.

[Wavelength]

Probably because both are seen together, second one appears dull; so i too go for the first

[skitterbug]

I like the warmer tones in the second but the window needs something - brightened perhaps?

[Rainforest]

Neat building and shot. I'm leaning towards #1 but have to agree that the light is not quite balanced top to bottom. Maybe a little extra pop on the glass on #2 would work well? Boy they don't make them like that anymore..

[bnnrcn]

#2 for me as it looks more natural

[Shadowman]

First one for me, just like the tones.

[Geoff F]

How about somewhere between the two?

Perhaps try adding just a fraction of highlight brightness to the second image?

[thegman]

#2 for me. #1 doesn't look natural.

[billtils]

The second shot - if you brighten up the window! The first looks like it has an overall blue tinge that distracts somewhat.

[Cogito]

+1 to Bill's suggestion. And as an afterthought, did you think about a bit of vertical adjustment?

[MrB]

Number 2 has much more attractive and interesting colours and the palette looks more balanced; perhaps lift a bit more detail out of the dark shadow areas near the top. Number 1 looks like a photo with the incorrect white balance.

Cheers.
Philip