Which one make a better pic ?

I like both, but which one makes a better pic ??

Thanks for any comment / critique.

Cheers ,

Diggy

Tough call for me. I have a more positive reaction to the first picture. Perhaps its because the eye is easier to discern. The second one is nice because it captures more of the fins (if I have that right, the dorsal and anal fins are the whispy elements above and below the base of the tail, more visible in photo 2).

#1 for sure. Much better composition. The edge of the coral creates a couple of leading lines bringing us right to the lionfish's face. Good eye contact on #1. #2 might be better if the OOF rock on the right wasn't there but overall it just feels awkward.

Number one, seems clearer, we have eye contact, and the coral is great contrast.

Probably #1, but it would have been a stunner if only there was some blue between the fish and the coral...

#2 might also have been improved if there was more blue between the fish and the reef, or no reef at all.

So: technically very nice, subject nice, but negative space could be a bit better next time.

Just like most of my good images, in fact...

... there's always something not quite right!

Tim

B)

If you do photo shop, I would consider throwing a little Gausian Blur at the coral in the first shot.

Thank you for al the advice/suggestions. Thanks Tim, Lionfish and the rest.

Love wetpixel for all the learning ...

Cheers,

Diggy