Barn pic - which version is better?

[RAPhotography]

Ultimately this picture would have been better taken at a different time of the day when the light was a bit more favorable. I had to crop out much of the grey, blown out sky to try to salvage it. I was wondering which version everyone thought was better. I think I kind of like the somewhat monotone look of the first one. The second one was run through photomatix to bring out the background and then I increased the saturation. I know the exposure comes out better in the second one (maybe it could be bit brighter though), but, I'm not sure it's a better picture. Any thoughts?

ryan

[chrisfu1004]

I personally like the first one better... the colour and tone gives it the rusty, run down feel....

[chauncey]

I prefer #2 for the more "as it is" look, also the crop is better. Background is there, rather than washed out, colors are better. But then in general I like the Au Natural look a lot more better (I just had to say that).

But then your client is the final judge or which do you like better?

[john.stone]

I'm a fan of idealizing photography in PP, so I'll have to go with the first.

[KYmom]

I like the homey comfort feel of the first one.

[PETERSYMES]

I prefer No2. it has a more moody feel to it, and a lot more detail.
No1 is too washed out for me..