Two shots either/or for critique (4 total)

[chopper5654]

Which of these do we like better?

In this one, I was searching for a natural foreground element to balance the shot out. Larger pics are linked below the mediums.

A..
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2711/4290686469_63c9842f72.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2711/4290686469_63c9842f72_b.jpg

B..
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2700/4291424758_4df8504bef.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2700/4291424758_4df8504bef_b.jpg


And, here, I doctored one. The other is straight out of the camera. Which conveys more emotion, and why please? Obviously, the second needs some cropping at a minimum. But, like I said, straight from the camera.

C..
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2778/4290689525_a88d3d3b6c.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2778/4290689525_a88d3d3b6c_b.jpg

D..
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2763/4291429996_3782e98400.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2763/4291429996_3782e98400_b.jpg

Thanks for your help.

[chomish]

Nice shots. I seem to like the first two without the bark in the foreground. And my favorite of the group is C.

[DruWade]

C is definitely my favorite of the 4.

However between A and B its tough.. I like the log color and definition in A and the bridge definition in B....

[chopper5654]

C is definitely my favorite of the 4.

However between A and B its tough.. I like the log color and definition in A and the bridge definition in B....

Exactly my problem, too. I suppose if it's a "close decision" then I can roll with either one. However, the question becomes....which is more important? Bridge element or foreground element. Which is the dominating element here, and, therefore, the one we should be focusing on?

[PBeeee]

In A, the log seems too orange, the sky too blue. In B, the log still seems too bright but the bridge and sky are better. Seems to me somewhere in between the two edits would be worth trying. The log does not seem very important to me. It is not a good color fit overall for the scene and not necessarily clear at first glance what it is. If you were looking for foreground interest for this scene, and if the water were flat calm, I might suggest tossing a pebble in the water for circular ripples just before you shoot. That would offer some contrast.
For me with C & D, D is the clear winner. The darkness of the trees in C and what seems like overprocessed color don't help the mood.
All in all great fog shots, good locations, with a little tweak you'll have good compostions and good technique.

[pickupman92]

spooooky! LOVE the all. I agree though, lose the tree in #1 and #2, black matte with black frame... perfecto.