I was just recently commissioned for a campaign and shot about 1000 images to capture final image for this well known sports company. In the end, it came down to the two images above. As is usually the case, the final image is tough to choose, with lots of factors under consideration, lots of stakeholders picking their favorite. There was much debate.
I’ve posted stuff like this before and was really excited by the resulting discussion, so I figured I’d throw it out there again… WHICH IS BETTER, A or B?
Vote in the comments. Love to know ‘why’ if you care to explain your thoughts. 600 px wide versions of each image after the jump…hit [‘continue reading’ below]. After you all weigh in, I’ll tell you which one was used and why.
This is PHOTO A, below.
THIS is PHOTO B, below.
Vote for B. Both are good but B has more mystery and universality for a main visual.
Clearly B. It stands out and makes a branding statement. The other one is very plain-jane and wouldn’t keep anyone’s attention.
The “distracting” flare makes it not only epic, but also draws visual interest that the other lacks.
-Ravi
I like B for the energy. From the images, the ad must be something active (exercise gear or some energy concoction etc), and the flare makes it seem like a burst she/you need to get active. Also, the flare helps keep the eye on the foreground. A is a “clean” image, but it also causes eye-wander into trivial areas.
I’d bet money B was used for the ad.
“A” is clearly a better picture for a sports company. Photo is divided in two and clearly contrasts the two sides of the image. the left hand with its dark cars going backward and on the right we have a lady enjoying her run to the point she looks angelic. The thirds rule broken with good effect. You can either glance at this photo and automatically get it or you can look at it further and get more involved as a viewer.
“B” I’m not exactly sure what this sports company is trying to sell. But if attention is what your trying to get maybe it will work.
Which photo is better depends on the context of what your trying to say
I like “A” a bit more – the flare is a bit distracting on ‘B’. If the company is going to place some copy over the flare, that may help.
A slight flare on ‘A’ might allow you to keep the clean look & focus on the runner plus allow a space for copy.