Not sure which of these I prefer...

[skullfunkerry]

I spotted a cool tangle of branches in my local woods the other day, and went back to get a shot of them. I spent a while editing the RAW file (which is unusual for me, I generally tend to use the jpegs straight from my camera), and got a shot I was really happy with - the first image below.

Then I had a play with it last night and made it darker and generally more "contrasty". I genuinely can't tell which one I prefer; I feel like my favourite version is whichever one I'm viewing at the time. Any thoughts or opinions?

 

 

Edited March 7, 2023 by skullfunkerry

[Fogey]

# 2 for me.  We're coming back to the solidity of chiaroscuro again.

I learned of chiaroscuro many years ago when I was at art school - the values I learned then are being re-enforced as I grow older.

Don't mistake it for low key photography - there is a world of difference.

[skullfunkerry]

Thanks @Fogey. I had to look chiaroscuro up, I've never heard of that before.

Edited March 7, 2023 by skullfunkerry

[Fogey]

Not many people have Kerry, unless you went to art school, that is.

I've found that all the tips and tricks I learned in those formative years have stood me in good stead as I've got older.

[Martyn]

I agree with Fogey, #2 is better in my opinion!

[Clicker]

Leonardo da Vinci was one of the first exponents of the art ...  It  makes for a  much more three dimensional   image  using shading and light  effectively . As another  veteran  art  student I  concur with  the  opinion that the latter is the better  of the images .

[Andyandhazel]

My preference  is #2 

[Stravinsky]

Definitely #2, more definition 

[Ryewolf]

Great shot Kerry, I'm going to be contrary and go for the first image as I feel there is more light on the subject.

[skullfunkerry]

14 hours ago, Ryewolf said:

Great shot Kerry, I'm going to be contrary and go for the first image as I feel there is more light on the subject.

Oddly enough, I posted this on talkphotography as well and although not many people commented, nearly all the comments there prefer the lighter one. I think I do too actually, although I think a third edit might be in order, slightly darker than the original but not as dark as the second one...

[markknittle61]

#2 for me. I have tried several forums over the years and it seems the majority of photographers Choose brightly exposed images over darker ones that often look better, I often get "lessons" on exposure.

[MattGrey]

For me, it's the first one.  

The second is just a touch too dark and it muddies some of the texture in the wood.  The exposure on the first is spot on, 

[CMunzel]

Interesting how opinions vary. I would have chosen #2 also then agreed to try a third in between the #1 and #2.