Warm vs Cool - Saturation vs Shadows

[Sistereinstein]

I would love some critique on these 2 images. Admittedly both have some elements that are good and bad, the original was an overwhelming green that made me feel a bit pukey if I looked at it too long. So I've tweaked the white balance and have 2 versions that I think are good.

Looking forward to your feedback!

[katiewilson1803]

I personally prefer the second version... The water in the first image seems to get lost amongst the green of the trees, but stands out in the second version as an element all on its own.

But a beautiful scene - great capture!

my 2c

[Sistereinstein]

Thank you Katie - that was very much the reason that I liked the second one as well. The hot spots show up more in this version, and I'm still working on tweaks to try and lessen the glare.

I kind of like the hot splash at the end. What I was also looking for was an area bathed in light, something that would have exuded a magical feeling - I have another similar idea that I plan on posting elsewhere to see how to best achieve this magical effect.

Thanks for the comment!

[mcair]

I actually prefer the warmer version. Or maybe something in between. The second is a little too cool and seems to lack pop. But these kinds of things are all subjective. Not a right or wrong. What best conveys your intent is usually best.

[adunivan]

I like the water in the second photo, but everything else in the first. I am new to photography so I don't know how or even if you could combine the two.

[El Explorador]

I love the second one because it stands out, and not just from the screen but from _every_ other pretty forest picture. However it does so at a high cost to realism, and if it was me I'd chicken out and desaturate that red a touch to make it look more realistic.

[windrider86]

I'll be the odd one. I am for the first one all the way! I like how the colors pop, but they dont look fake. The photo is far more eye catching than the second one. The second on makes the water look muddy and for me, the reflections are far less prominent

[TNH]

I actually like the first one much better. The colors make me think of summertime... and it almost looks like an enchanted forest. And the reflections in the water stand out more in that one.
The second one looks a little boring and winter-y to me. It actually almost looks like there is snow on the trees.
Of course, this is just my opinion! But I really think the first one is the best of them!

[mpaulison]

The second has a little too much blue, I think. The greens don't look correctly green. I'd like the halfway version between the two.

[katia]

i prefer the first one by far (in fact at first glance i didn't even know they were the same photo)

though as a whole, the photo doesn't have a lot going for it at all. there is no subject, my eyes just get lost looking around the photo but they never quite settle on anything.