Help me pick better version

[pyrtek]

When I took this picture of a swan (which attacked me as a result, by the way)
I focused on getting the swan straight in the frame, which causes the horizon
to tilt, as you can see:



http://bertold.zenfolio.com/img/v0/p79463402-4.jpg



so I did a bit of straightening:



http://bertold.zenfolio.com/img/v0/p1039053420-4.jpg


Can you help me decide which one is better? I'm not convinced that the
straightened version is better, since some of the surroundings are lost
in the crop and the swan looks a bit different.

Thanks.

[RogersDA]

I actually prefer the straightened version. I also think it would be a bit better without the lighthouse sticking out of the goose's back.

[pyrtek]

I actually prefer the straightened version.


Thanks for your vote.


I also think it would be a bit better without the lighthouse sticking out of the goose's back.


It was very difficult to compose the shot. I was almost lying on the ground
and the bird wasn't very cooperative - it kept moving around. I guess I could
try cloning the lighthouse out. In fact, I'll try that tonight. Thanks again.

[Ric Grupe]

Straight is much better. :clap

This is how I see the crop...a better composition IMO. BTW, a very pretty shot.

http://rickay.smugmug.com/photos/162478281-O.jpg

[Maestro]

Both are nice, very good in fact, but I prefer the second. :thumb

[hawkeye978]

I prefer the second also. The tilt of the horizon in the first really bothers me.

[Harv]

To me a horizon that isn't level never looks right. For that reason alone, I prefer the second version.

[pyrtek]

Thanks, everybody! Second one it is. :)

[Dick on Aruba]

I choose also for the 2nd pic. Awesome sky, well done.

Thanks for sharing,

Dick.

[pyrtek]

Thanks, Dick. :)

[W.W. Webster]

I'm with Ric! :thumb

[pyrtek]

Thanks, W.W.W. I love your dictionary, btw.

[ShepsMom]

Absolutely the #2, it's a very beautiful shot, you should be proud!! Great composition (with crop) and very rich colors. :clap

[pyrtek]

Absolutely the #2, it's a very beautiful shot, you should be proud!!

Well then, I'm gonna be. :)

Great composition (with crop) and very rich colors. :clap

Thanks!