Composition critique

[daremekiddy]

Hi.. This is my first post here..
I was experimenting with candles the other day and tried the zoom effect with it.. I have to versions of the same photo..( each being cropped for two compositions)..

I personally like the second one.. but still.. need some advice.. Other critiques are obviously welcome..

1.


2.

[laughlinc]

I think the second on is much better than the first as far as composition goes. In the first, your subject is rather small and is smack dab in the middle...not very dynamic. The second improves by bringing the subject a little closer and a bit off center to the upper third line. I still don't feel this has a WOW, but is most definitely better than the first. I would try bringing the candle even closer and maybe even letting the left side fall out of the shot....the real beauty is in the variations in the strong orange color and the curves.