Which Image Looks Best?

#2 is the original, and #1 i've been tweaking to get a different look... Does #1 look super duper fake or OK?

I like #1. It just looks like you used a tilt shift lens in #1. I like it.

I also see that you mirrored the left side. I would edit the right side to be a little different. Maybe clone out the build and/or the pole.

Top one. All I really see is the blurred background and maybe some more saturation.

I think you did it just right. Often when people add a blur in post, it's painfully obvious because overdone. Here it isn't. Great job, looks wonderful.

Thank you all for the feedback! When making radical changes in photoshop, i often question if i'm overdoing it...The remarks are certainly helpful

#1 looks fine. I would try to do something with the pole also though.

I didn't even notice all the background changes until I read one of the comments. I was focused on the subject, which you captured wonderfully.

Top image...

I like the effect in #1. Just wish the car was sharp.

You and me both

BlakeC wrote in post #17802041
I like #1. It just looks like you used a tilt shift lens in #1. I like it.

I also see that you mirrored the left side. I would edit the right side to be a little different. Maybe clone out the build and/or the pole.

yup.

even removing a branch or two on one side will make it not nearly so symmetrically fake, and the very last tree where the sky is might need a different shape too.

I'll go into off-topic and say, that it needs a lot more room on the left side - that being the side of the car's front. In this image it does really stand out that the auto is hitting a wall so to speak. :]

BlakeC wrote in post #17802041
I like #1. It just looks like you used a tilt shift lens in #1. I like it.

I also see that you mirrored the left side. I would edit the right side to be a little different. Maybe clone out the build and/or the pole.

Also adjust the lighting on some of the tree trunks. The 5th tree back makes it very noticeable that it's just a mirrored image. Great job.

In the first picture the vehicle just "jumps out" to me.... don't think I would notice it if I wasn't comparing the two photographs. Bokeh stands out in #1 significantly also...nice photo's though...

Its a good edit, but I love to see sharp lines when I'm seeing leading lines into the background. That would speak more to me about the open road. But all that is off topic.