Composition Critique please

[kamui18]

I was taking some random snapshots of a friend's home and while I liked how these 2 turned out, I'm kinda undecided which looks better. Its the same piece but slightly different exposure and me moving a little bit. I hope this isn't against the rules.

This
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kamui_18/2727715396/

or this:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kamui_18/2727714882/

Camera: Canon EOS 40D
Exposure: 0.25 sec (1/4)
Aperture: f/1.8
Focal Length: 50 mm
ISO Speed: 400
Exposure Bias: -1 EV
Flash: Flash did not fire


It was around 9 in the evening when I took the photo so it was kinda dark.

[mseigafuse]

I like the placement of the subject better in the first, but I like the lighting/exposure better in the second. Perhaps crop a bit off the left side on the second shot? Just one man's opinion...

[oldwolf]

Originally Posted by mseigafuse

I like the placement of the subject better in the first, but I like the lighting/exposure better in the second. Perhaps crop a bit off the left side on the second shot? Just one man's opinion...

i'll second that. placement is better in the first but the exposure is better in the second.

[jiminyClickit]

kamui18, Welcome

I've moved your thread here to Composition because the guidelines in Critique simply don't allow for what you have: no photo displayed for Critique, and links to two photos you want us to choose from. In composition that's OK (photos would be better), and you'll still get some opinions here.

Please read the guidelines for Critique and then feel free to post again:

Critique Forum Rules

[kamui18]

Thanks guys. I guess that's what's been bothering me about the photo. Another lesson learned.

And darn, I still messed up where to place this thread. Thanks for moving it.

[jiminyClickit]

kamui18, You're welcome

Lots of places to post, it takes a while to find them all. We're here to help.

[Palladius]

I don't know about anyone else, but I find the line of the bureau sorta takes your eye out of the shot to the top-right.

If there's something interesting in the room to the right of the picture then maybe you could move your position to the left... then the flowers and the interesting ornaments would form the principle focus (with the top of the chair maybe making a very partial frame) and the line of the bureau drawing you up and left to something else really interesting...


Sorry, that was only meant to be a simple comment and it got a bit strange on me! Just an idea, really....

[chireau]

Like stated earlier, prefer second one for subject exposition but would crop left a tad, and bring down the background (desk) a bit (I like the exposition of the background more on first shot - would also make sure your subject gets initial attention).

Or you could just change the exposition on the first one to make the subject pop out (but usually its better to start with a little overexposed shot than a little underexposed shot, for the sake of avoiding noise as much as possible).

[Newyorican]

Without question, the second one is better. It has a lot more contrast, and I can make out the items in the shot. On another note, I like the shot because it looks like my house - I love all shades of purple and have lots of it all over my house.