Hi Mrkeenan - I know exactly what you mean. The first is very attractive from a color and composition standpoint IMHO, possibly appropriate for something in an industrial trade magazine. The color attracts your eye, and almost distracts from the subject matter.
Now the second is more a blunt statement of subject. There's nothing really "pretty" about it in the post card sense. It's a more emotional, visceral type of image, giving contrasting views of the city as you note.
mrkeenan0 wrote in post #3635707
The first one is nice (as many people have already mentioned) but personally I like the second because of the contrast between the graffiti (sp?) on the walls and then the skyscrapers in the distance. Maybe it wouldn't be exactly what I'd want on my wall but I think it's a more powerful shot. Both are well done.