Butterfly too busy?

[snapapple]

I captured this lovely lady today. Of course you takes your backgrounds where you gets em, but there was a large boulder and all the blue flowers. Should I try to blur the background with a layer mask or is this OK? How about the composition? Which one do you prefer?

#1http://SNAPAPPLE.smugmug.com/photos/27428225-L.jpg

#2http://SNAPAPPLE.smugmug.com/photos/27428231-L.jpg

[Lord Vetinari]

I captured this lovely lady today. Of course you takes your backgrounds where you gets em, but there was a large boulder and all the blue flowers. Should I try to blur the background with a layer mask or is this OK? How about the composition? Which one do you prefer?

Nice shots- difficult with that sort of background, but I prefer #2 not sure it isn't just because the flowers are also in focus.
Brian V.

[snapapple]

Nice shots- difficult with that sort of background, but I prefer #2 not sure it isn't just because the flowers are also in focus.
Brian V.
Thanks for the opinion Brian. You know, after looking at the two shots here on the thread, I like #2 the best also. It just seems to "pop" more. I think it's the light and the sharpness. Funny, I seem to see things more like an open minded observer when they get up here on the site. I appreciate your taking the time to comment.

[Harryb]

#1 does it for me. I like the comp better as the butterfly is headed for the upper right corner. Also the butterfly's colors are brighter and the red and the blue in the tail are more evident.

[gluwater]

I like the composition of the first but the sharpness of the butterfly in the second. But both are nice shots.

[ginger_55]

Snappy, I would agree, the composition of the first one, but the flowers of the second one.

Nice butterfly!

ginger

[bfjr]

both good to me
#1 my fav, background doesn't bother me :D

[Eric&Susan]

both good to me
#1 my fav, background doesn't bother me :D
:agree The first one for me:thumb

Eric

[snapapple]

Thanks Harry, Ginger, Ben, Eric & Susan;

I liked the first one at first, because of the direction the butterfly was facing. But then I liked the sharpness of the second one, especially on the little tail like things. Darn, everyone feels the same as I do. Wish I could get the little critter to come back.

I had thought I might be able to blur the background more on the first one, but I'm not sure if I can do it. Right now it just seems distracting. I hardly ever see this kind of butterfly, so it is special to me.

Thanks all, for your input.