Which bench in the snow shot is "best"?

[roguegenius]

Am I the only one that sees #1 as the one. It has more balance, provides context to the presence of the subject bench, and focuses well on the subject.

#2 focuses well on the bench, but is unbalanced.

#3 confuses the eye as to whether the subject is the bench or the tree.

All three are good photos, but IMHO #1 is the BEST!

[bblaich]

I like the 3rd shot the best as the tree looks fantastic. However, your question is which "Bench" shot looks best. The bench is a stronger subject in the second shot, with still a good amount of the tree in the frame.

My two cents...

[kirbinster]

Thanks, I agree about the potential about the first, but what I don't like is that the house is so prominent in it.

[JeffSmith]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

None: Take the first shot and crop it square from the left side. You'll end up with the tree and bench near the 1/3 right side.

I hate to say it, but I'm afraid I'm with this comment from Osmosis.
Is this a picture of a tree or a bench? My eyes are wondering around the frame without settling or understanding any of it. Everything is too central and I know I should feel invited to sit on the bench, but I don't.

The tree is the 3rd shot is much better than the others, but the bench does nothing for me. I'm really sorry, but I think it needs a retake with some thought around the composition.

Great setting and nice lighting. If you don't like the house in the background, why not stop down and reduce the depth of field?

[tinwhistle]

I'm late getting here, but I agree with Osmosis, except I'd crop from the right framing the image with a tree on each edge. I've returned to my reply after looking over the images again. To be really critical and really honest I'd have moved to another location, leaving out the bench. I think the snow laden pine and the house would have made a much more attractive scene... Chris

[MOmilkman]

Originally Posted by willbrawn

I am going with the third, the only thing I dont like about it is the bench and the wide angle distortion. The tree kinda steals the show in it.

I was going to say the same thing about the 3rd shot. The trees in the background are leaning in towards the middle. Kinda unnatural.

2nd one for me.