Sharp vs. Blur

[WingsofFury]

I've been thinking about this for a while, and would love some opinions if anyone has some to share.

Below is a bathing gull that I took pictures of back in March and in one the action is ok when it comes to sharpness, whereas in the other there is motion detected by the blur of the wings.

Which one do you think holds more character, and if so why??

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq326/WingsofFuryPhotography/March21074.jpg

http://i460.photobucket.com/albums/qq326/WingsofFuryPhotography/March21071.jpg

[artyman]

I prefer the first shot, perhaps the droplets in it give a better sense of action.

[Bob_A]

I also prefer the first shot for the same reason.

[snowyowl13]

I prefer no. 1 but would really like to see more detail in the whites.

[BigStig]

I usually would prefer motion blur but in this instance I agree with above on #1. I also think the whites are a bit blown, On my screen it could do with less exposure to bring out the white detail.
Cheers Steve P

[WingsofFury]

Thanks for the comments and suggestion, I appreciate them.

Steve - is it possible that the whites are blown because it was the only area on the bird that the sun was hitting? The back half of the bird was in the shade (I think there was a cloud passing by).

[Scottes]

I generally prefer a bit of blur, to give a sense of action. Even if it's just the wing-tips.

But #1 works in this photo because there's nothing else going on that really suggests action. The head is very still, for instance, and posed in a way that suggests sitting, not moving.

[chopper5654]

ok, i'll take devil's advocate since this hobby is largely about "personal taste." while i agree that the droplets flying in #1 imply motion, i am always more impressed with the ability to capture the correct amount of blur without losing the entire shot.

#2 does that very well, and is the reason i respect a good motion shot. anyone can freeze action, but not everyone can apply just a touch of blur without really trying.

just my .02

[Tom Reichner]

I prefer #2 - the motion blur. I normally prefer wings to be blurred if they were moving when the image was taken.

[canonloader]

I always prefer the sharp stop action pictures, mostly because I can see blur anytime. :)

[WingsofFury]

Thanks again for the varied opinions, it's really helping me!