Roundabout Comparisons...

[Ginger Pixie]

I've post processed these differently, so I wondered which you thought worked better...

Any comments appreciated, as I quite like it on the roundabout, so I can always reshoot.

Thanks

Camera: Canon EOS 450D
Exposure: 0.125 sec (1/8)
Aperture: f/14.0
ISO Speed: 200
Exposure Bias: 0 EV

Camera: Canon EOS 450D
Exposure: 0.1 sec (1/10)
Aperture: f/14.0
Focal Length: 18 mm
ISO Speed: 200
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: On, Fired

[3ntreri]

I like the brightness and warmth of the first one a lot better. Something is off with the skin tones in the 2nd one, maybe too much blue?

[Marija]

I agree with 3ntreri.
Like the first one, but I must say that the background on the second pict came out better.

[zona5101]

i think #2 is the stonger image. eye contact and the background is more symetrical. The color in #2 looks right, I don't think everything looks better oversaturated.

[sk66]

Technically, the first image has better exposure. It looks like on camera fill flash was used and it's pretty good. Maybe a touch hot.
The second image is underexposed...it says the flash fired, but it doesn't look like it reached the subject.
I don't think there was a need for f/14 in either unless you were trying to get a slower shutter speed. I think a little less DOF would have helped in both images, more-so in the second.

Aesthetically, these are very different images.
The first image is "about the ride". The motion and body language convey that and add to the feel of "speed". And being "brighter" adds to the feeling of "happy/fun"
The second image has more of an "intimate" feeling. Direct eye contact conveys intimacy. However the facial expression is "wrong"..It's not one of intimacy, nor a "really happy" one (just luck there). Because of the strong eye contact you are drawn to his face as "the subject" and the "harsh" blurred background is a distractor. The hands being the brightest part of the image makes them a distractor as well.

The arms do a good job of drawing you in to his face in both images.

[Ginger Pixie]

Originally Posted by 3ntreri

I like the brightness and warmth of the first one a lot better. Something is off with the skin tones in the 2nd one, maybe too much blue?

I agree, there was something in the skin tone I wasn't happy with - if you have any suggestions as to the best way to fix it, please let me know, as I am relatively new to photoshop, and don't know all the tricks yet!

Originally Posted by Marija

I agree with 3ntreri.
Like the first one, but I must say that the background on the second pict came out better.

Thank you. Yes, I prefer the background in the second one - but between both shots you get a 360 panorama of the roundabout - ha. I know when I reshoot which place to fire the shutter then!

Originally Posted by zona5101

i think #2 is the stonger image. eye contact and the background is more symetrical. The color in #2 looks right, I don't think everything looks better oversaturated.

I thought it looked a little dull, and in an ideal world would like to brighten the skin a little, but I am pleased you think it looks ok.

Originally Posted by sk66

Technically, the first image has better exposure. It looks like on camera fill flash was used and it's pretty good. Maybe a touch hot.
The second image is underexposed...it says the flash fired, but it doesn't look like it reached the subject.
I don't think there was a need for f/14 in either unless you were trying to get a slower shutter speed. I think a little less DOF would have helped in both images, more-so in the second.

Aesthetically, these are very different images.
The first image is "about the ride". The motion and body language convey that and add to the feel of "speed". And being "brighter" adds to the feeling of "happy/fun"
The second image has more of an "intimate" feeling. Direct eye contact conveys intimacy. However the facial expression is "wrong"..It's not one of intimacy, nor a "really happy" one (just luck there). Because of the strong eye contact you are drawn to his face as "the subject" and the "harsh" blurred background is a distractor. The hands being the brightest part of the image makes them a distractor as well.

The arms do a good job of drawing you in to his face in both images.

Wow. Thank you for such a detailed response - very much appreciated.

There is much to think about in what you have said, and a lot to consider when I reshoot. I like that.

I will have to take a cattle prod next time, maybe he'll look more scared!

I was trying for a slower shutter speed, but also some DOF. It was very much experimental as far as settings go, so if you have an alternative suggestion to achieve the background blur but a better result, I am all ears!

Thanks very much everyone, you are helping me to learn