Composition question

[Tobers]

I need a bit of help. Here's two pics from today (Leith Hill). Same subject, different composition.

The first one has the nice pathway leading the eye to the folks on the bench, with another line down from the nice tree. Takes your eyes to the people quite nicely. However, it doesn't show much of what they are looking at.

The second one is from a different angle, but shows their situation much better. The tree sort of sucks your eye down to them, and then out to the view.

#1 lead in line

#2 situation (with full tree)

Is there some guidance on what to do in a situation like this, where you have a number of options for composition? Or do you just take a load of pics and figure out the best one later (though I'd prefer to get it right 1st time).

For what it's worth, I think I prefer #2 as it shows them looking out at the view.

Cheers

Tobers

[horribleman]

I'm not really that experienced, so I might try a couple and delete those that look the worst

I also just wander around, crouching down and standing tiptoed to see the best angle.

I prefer the second too. In the first it's not clear if the people or the trees are the subjects. In the second they stand out more.

[Liquid101]

I like them both, but prefer the second one.

However, what really bothers me is the way you've cropped the tree on the left, It would have been nicer to see the whole tree, even at the expense of clipping part of the vista. Also, it would help if the chap sitting down was looking out, rather than down - Obviosuly you didn't have much control over this part The horizon isn't quite straight either

[mwncidur]

Tobers,

I know naff all about composition but I prefer #1 purely on the fact that your eye is led around the shot , where as #2 I just have a quick glance at the tree/people and then the view.

both great shots though IMO

[Tobers]

Thanks so far. I've just changed #2 to a slightly different shot with the tree not cropped. However, the people aren't quite framed by the tree branch as before. Ho hum. They are looking outwards this time though. Nicer sky as well

Know what you mean about the horizon - that's the south downs unfortunately - they go up a bit at the right. Should you "artificially" straighten the horizon then, even if it isn't really level?

[geofftelforduk]

I actually prefer the first one! I think the other trees give a nice lead in to the people!!!

Both great shots though!!

[Liquid101]

I prefer the second one, looks more balanced to me. I like the two matching figures too.

[Tobers]

Ha ha - hadn't noticed they are wearing exactly the same stuff

I am happier with the MkII second shot - a full shot of the tree, and a v.nice sky (polariser + ND grad) and some fluffy clouds too. I do like the experimentation though - digital is soooo useful.

[Liquid101]

Originally Posted by Tobers

and a v.nice sky (polariser + ND grad)

It's not a photograph anymore, it's an 'image'

[senu]

Originally Posted by Liquid101

It's not a photograph anymore, it's an 'image'

....

Until it gets printed perhaps?? Those "images" on our passports are still called passport photographs... perhaps because we sent them printed ( and endorsed) to the Passport Agency rather than email image files
Then they got scanned back onto passports as...... yes, images

[peter.sh]

For what it's worth, I prefer the first shot. The leaning trees add drama.

[Gordon @ Convergent AV]

Yeah its weird but even although I see what you are trying to do with second I still prefer to look at the first. It holds my attention more.

Gordon