Focal Point and DoF differences - which draws the eye better?

[artsgirl]

So I took these two shots literally just seconds apart, with only two small differences - I adjusted the aperture slightly and changed the focal point. (I was shooting Av Mode so the shutter speed automatically adjusted a bit when I changed the aperture.) Every time I think I've decided which of the two I like better, I come back to them the next day and I've completely changed my mind. Which of them draws your eye first, and why? And in choosing, did you go with your knee-jerk reaction, or did you stare at them and go back and forth before finally coming to a decision?

First Shot -

Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi
Exposure: 1/60
Aperture: f/4.0
Focal Length: 41 mm
ISO Speed: 800
Exposure Bias: + 1/3
Flash: Off, Did not fire



-----
Second Shot -

Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi
Exposure: 1/25
Aperture: f/6.3
Focal Length: 41 mm
ISO Speed: 800
Exposure Bias: + 1/3
Flash: Off, Did not fire



Thanks!

[Sterling]

After looking at them for about 5 seconds each, I prefer the first one. After studying them longer, I still like the first one. The reason is that it concentrates the eye more on the foreground. And the foreground is what is interesting here. Trees at a distance? I've seen those a million times, they can stay blurry. Close view of leaves and stuff floating on a pond? Not your everyday scene. Whatever emphasizes those, the better. That's my take anyway.

[PhotogChic]

I agree with Sterling. I really like the first photo. The second looks like the focal point is somewhere in the middle of the water and I don't find anything interesting there...my eyes keep going to the foreground in the first photo.

[i_am_beam]

First one. The ground is more interesting to me than the trees and I think that comes out more in the first. The second one seems a little more cliche.

[zona5101]

first one. Scrolling down probably solidified my choice as in the first the trees are clearlyout of focus and then I get to a sharp focus point. In the second, while the trees are out of focus they are less so than the first and finding the sharp focus isn't as well defined.

[jdepould]

I don't know, neither one seems to have a dominant element. The horizon dead center gives it a wishy-washy feel, like you couldn't decide what was more interesting, the trees or the pond scum. Focal point selection suggests you want me to look at the pond scum, but the background tends to pull me away.

[daddyoproductions]

After both, the first is still the fave. The dof I think gives us a focal point where there doesn't seem to be an obvious one. Nice angle!

[michellemarie]

Agreed! I like the first one. Since purchasing my DSLR, I find I am more fond of and appreciate the "out of the ordinary" and harder to get shot now. Great shots!

[Downtown]

I like the first. Nice to see you experiment with your DOF. Good work!

[CaptainNH]

Stirling's got it spot on. The interest is in the foreground and you don't need the tree to be in sharp focus - we know what that is, we've seen them before.

The first is the way to go.