portland sign

[Nieton21]

I was walking by this sign the other day (which I do on many occasions and decided to take a few shots of it. I am not sure which shot I prefer on one accord the first shot allows the viewer to see the sign without any distraction on the other side the perspective and the building show a contrast of both old and new. I was wondering if you guys could let me know what shot you prefer and also any other critiques on either shot would be appreciated!

Top Pic:Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT, Exposure:0.01 sec (1/100), Aperture:f/4Focal Length: 27 mm, ISO Speed: 100

Bottom Pic: Camera:Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT, Exposure:0.01 sec (1/100) Aperture:f/4, Focal Length: 28 mm, ISO Speed:100

[ToddC]

Great subject...first shot is the most interesting, but it needs more contrast with the background. I would suggest bumping the saturation to accentuate the sign. Also add a red filter to bring out the blue sky a bit...

I'd like to see this shot at night...

[hora]

I also like the first shot more, the second is a bit more cluttered. I'm not good at post-processing so I don't know what to suggest, but I'll agree with Todd, this would make a wicked shot at night.

[Nieton21]

Thanks for the input...I should have mentioned it... but I was kind of going for a slightly desaturated look....I did try adding saturation to the sky but found that I didn't like how it looked. For now I'm gonna keep the saturation the way it is I did however update the photo and add a tiny bit of contrast to it.

[mdwsta4]

i also prefer the first one as it's less cluttered, but could definitely use a boost in contrast and saturation.

[R.E. Smith]

My eye seems to like the second one better, the first one looks unbalanced to me.

[xxpinballxx]

Nieton, Great photos. I personally like the first one and think the less saturation looks better on this. Its an old sign and I think the picture should fit. Too bright and vivid would contradict the image itself.
I tried a little editting and came up with this....

[Nieton21]

I like the extra contrast you put in there

[windrider86]

I like them both, The first one seems a bit blurry and in botht the building could be straighten up a bit.

[Nieton21]

i tried to straighten the buildings up but every time i do it the photo seems awkward because the sign if off on a different angle. Because I couldn't get it to look right I went with the sign on the vertical and allowed the building to be off. Any suggestions to making it look right?

Update:Ok I tried playing around with it in Photoshop....I updated the photo above and now it it a straighter building (compared to the horizon). What do you guys think now