Which Picture would be better?

[svaughan]

I am a novice trying to improve my shots. I shot these two the same evening and can't decide which is better. One seems to be more solemn then the other, but I also like the foreground weeds in the one.

Also, I can't decide if should I bring out the shadow area's a bit more? I don't want to loose the warn color of the sun. With curves, I seem to loose the warmth. I could double process the raw and combine the two to bring out the shadows? Or do I need too?

[Jack Varney]

I like the second shot better. The weeds add foreground interest and the shoreline leads my eye into the picture. The light on the water is better too, IMO.

[Eric Myrvaagnes]

Ditto for me, for the same reasons. And I think the shadows work just the way they are. The lack of detail adds to the sense of mystery rather than simply blocking up, in my view.

Eric

[svaughan]

Hi Eric, I agree on the shadows.  I selected this area, and opened it up a little with curves. It didn't do much for me.