critique before printing

[tim]

I'm considering printing a couple of pictures A1 size for my lounge. Critique on them before I do it would be appreciated. Also, let me know which you think I should print first, as a test.

[ExPOSED]

Hey Tim,

Well I'm a newbie to the 20D, I've been playing with it for a while now. Haven't gotten a shot yet that I feel confident enough to post yet so I don't know how much value my opinion would be...but I like the second one. I like the vibrant red, and how the green and white give it contrast.

ExPosed...

[lomond]

Sorry Tim, I'm the one who voted for neither.
Of course it's a purely personal choice. Personally I'm not too keen on the selective desaturation. Although I think you've done a good job.
Anyway, critique wise, I find the flower in no 1 to be too central, also the B&W portion is nicely out of focus apart from the object on the lower left which is in focus and therefore a bit distracting.
Of the two shots I prefer no 2. However I'm not sure if it warrants an A1 print. My eye seems to search the image for a subject without success. The image also seems a bit busy.
Sorry to be so negative but I thought it only fair to say why I voted for neither.
Cameron

[tim]

Thanks Cameron, all comments are welcome, positive or negative. I don't want to print something really big for my lounge, which isn't cheap, then be dissapointed. Another option is this one, but i'd possibly lighten up the boat on the right so you could see a bit more detail - perhaps?

[sheye]

I actually really like the 2nd flower, it's very nice. The beach scene is pretty but not to my taste, I like something a lot more striking.
Sheey

[tim]

Cheers people, seems the red flower wins out. That was my pick too. I'll get it done next week :)