Help me choose an image please!

Ok guys, I need your help!!! Vancouver Island is putting on a photo contest. I need help choosing one. Please read the criteria below.

Here's what they're looking for:

- Focus on personal experiences
- Are authentic and genuine – not too staged or phoney looking
- Share a sense of energy, fun and belonging
- Are warm and inviting scenes
- Are identifiably Vancouver Island whenever possible – feature icons and landscapes cues
- Current and fresh (e.g. not dated)
- Highlight active adventure among awe-inspiring natural wonders
- Celebrate urban experiences including culinary treats, shopping and entertainment
- Are compelling enough to make you want to try it yourself

"Long Beach, short walk"
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net …03186809_132980​1604_o.jpg

"I'd rather be surfing"
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net …53186814_202446​3822_o.jpg

My preference goes to #2 "I'd rather be surfing"

I like the strong contrast but while the ocean waves are a form of energy, the photo feels static; perhaps because I identify the subject to be the surfer who's not really engaged with the environment at the time of the shot? However, there is a sense of anticipation to me; anticipation of thrills and fun to come thanks to that wave not too far from shore crashing down upon itself. I'm not sure if that rock in the left of the frame is iconic of Vancouver Island; maybe another shot with more of the rock? That aside, if you could produce a colour version of it and process it to have warmer tones, I think it'd better match the criteria "warm and inviting scenes"

Hmm, try pumping up the temperature on the 1st one as well. If you're using Lightroom, play around with the highlights slider. Also try split toning to introduce more tones and colours into the scene if the temperature slider is not providing the effects you like.

I love Tofino.The first one has that blown out sky which seems to also include blowing out the people. You shot into the sun.Doesn't scream Long Beach for me.

Second I like better, THis is what one sees every day on this beach.

I also agree about showing the color version, even on a washed out day the water looks cool.

the first shot the sky right side and the grass the only thing in focus ...just kill this shot....it looks like the grass is the subject and you didn't let the people move out of your shot....

stanclark wrote in post #16253923
the first shot the sky right side and the grass the only thing in focus ...just kill this shot....it looks like the grass is the subject and you didn't let the people move out of your shot....

This image was shot at f/22. They are also well enough in focus.

Flo wrote in post #16253910
I love Tofino.The first one has that blown out sky which seems to also include blowing out the people. You shot into the sun.Doesn't scream Long Beach for me.

Second I like better, THis is what one sees every day on this beach.

I also agree about showing the color version, even on a washed out day the water looks cool.

Thanks for the feedback.

99 views. 4 votes. C'mon guys!

I think you'd better shoot some more.

Qbx wrote in post #16255466
I think you'd better shoot some more.

And make them a little smaller. Just a reminder that in the "Share" areas IMAGE POSTING RULES only allow a maximum of 1024 pixels on any side.

Ryan, you're not going to like my choice.....

Neither.

I think you need colour and more "fun" in the photo to stand a chance of winning.

-g- wrote in post #16256416
Ryan, you're not going to like my choice.....

Neither.

I think you need colour and more "fun" in the photo to stand a chance of winning.

+1
I think if you redid the 2nd shot with a surfer walking towards the water and in color, it might be a winner.
The blown out sky in the first photo doesn't really say fun. Like someone else suggested try adjusting the color temp. You could also tone down the highlights. Maybe add in a beach chair and a beach ball, or something similar to add interest and color.

I checked your site before I decided not to vote...you could do better.

chauncey wrote in post #16256872
I checked your site before I decided not to vote...you could do better.

Thanks for the kind words. Unfortunately though, I don't live on the island. The images above are archived images that I just happen to have from somewhat recent trips. It's one or the other.

I like photo 2 better, but photo 1 is the kind of image that seems to do better in contests.

Thanks for all the votes guys