Pomarine Jeager (which is better?)

I'm hoping to get some candid CC regarding your preferred version of two images.

No exposure adjustment was made to the first version. It's like I saw it live. There was so much harsh light that a lot of the bird was just a dark shadow. But the version is representative of the moment and I think the IQ is good.

I used LR to lighten up the second version. Exposure +35, Shadows +53. There is more detail but the processing added noise which I think distracts from the shot.

So. would you just delete both versions or which one would you keep? (I am aware that my post skills are a best guess. Inabilities.)


(9-OCT San Diego pelagic trip)

Thanks all.

Same Question on Second image.

Thanks all.

For me Greg it's #1 for both.

Red, Thanks for your info.

Red Dexs wrote in post #18183815
For me Greg it's #1 for both.

I agree.

I took a similar shot of a black bird in front of a bright sky yesterday, and it's almost impossible to save the bird detail without making it look really unnatural.