Orchids--color and focussing

[shell]

I have two aspects for you to critique, if you please.

First, these are two different photos, with slight differences between the two. But overall, they are of the same subject, positioning and composition, etc. I can’t decide which one I like better. Here are my two questions:

1. Between coloring, do you like the first photo’s more pastel colors (photo number 2492), or the second photo’s more vibrant coloring (photo number 2493)?

and 2. Between depth of field and focussing, which do you prefer: the softer focus of the first photo (2492), or the all-in-focus second photo (2493)? Does the front flower in the first photo bother you or is it distracting?

Thanks in advance for your help!

EXIF data:
Camera: Canon Rebel XSi, 100mm f2.8 Macro Lens
first photo: f2.8 & 1/13 sec.
second photo: f32 & 8 seconds
ISO 100
No flash, used tripod

[windrider86]

the second image is entirley more pleasing.I like to focus and the coloring.
Altho you mention soft focus in the first one, to me it just looks blurry.

[KajeYomama]

I like the second one in general. It feels more alive, thus making me feel more alive! Well it also depends on what the purpose of the picture is. Sometimes its good to have that more pastel look. For example, if you were to print and frame the picture and you want to put one up. If the room is very pastel and white, calm colours, (and the other pictures are pastelish too), it would be more fitting to have something that grabs less attention. It has a softer, calmer feel. The second one has more of a BAM! LOOK at me, I exist! saying. Pictures are beautiful btw.

[i_am_beam]

I like the first one better. I think it's just because the coloring looks a little softer, and in turn makes the texture of the flower come out more. Usually I like high contrast and vivid colors, but with flowers I think it's sometimes better to have things a little softer.

[shell]

Thanks for everyone's comments, I really appreciate them! So, maybe if I did the second photo, but took off the vivid color changes I made to make it the same coloring as the first, that would be best.

Or what would anyone think of a conversion to black and white? Does it draw more attention to the shape/interesting features of orchids?

[KajeYomama]

I prefer with colour. The B&W does bring out shapes and curves a lot more, but I don't feel like thats the whole emphasis of the picture. I still like photo 2 in colour.

[pfgroa]

for the depth of field to work on the first, I think you need at least 1 entire flower to be focused. You only have petals on separate flowers in focus. The second is clearer and more vibrant. Better

The black and white looks very good. It shows a lot of organic shapes and is very nice. But I think that for flowers that have such strong colors, it's good to show them

[ntinlizi]

i like the second photo, the colors are so vibrant! i also like the b&w though...but i think for the black and white to work completely, it would need some more contrast and sharpening. really nice work