Alrighty. Regardless of the fact that this A or B series (here, here, and here) has been really interesting for us, helpful, and popular with you (the last such post received over 1000 comments in 24 hours)…
This time it is of even greater interest for us. You see, we’re doing some image editing around here and we’ve stumbled into a little internal debate about which one of these two images is actually better, A or B. [You might remember these shots from the Nikon D7000 campaign…]
Hearing from you will help really help us. No qualifiers, don’t worry about our objectives, or the “assignment”. We want to know which one of these shots you like better. And please tell us in the comments below, not via twitter. Raw preference. Period. If you can add some “why”, that would be nice too. Full 600 pixel wide images after the jump. Hit ‘continue reading’ below [and btw, I’ve got a $1 gentlemen’s bet riding with Erik about which one will win, so don’t let me down!]…
After you all weigh in, I’ll tell you which one I like, which one I thought you’d like, and why.
This is image A, below:
This is image B, below:
So which photo is better? A or B?
B. Why? More interesting. I think the contrast between the blown out sky and the model in the foreground sets her off a bit more and creates more balance than A; my eye goes right to her then to guys hanging out in the van – much more detail there too – more detail overall in B, except the sky, but I can live with a blown out sky because I don’t think it’s that important to this photo. In A I’m drawn right to the highlight on her pants and there doesn’t seem to be a feeling of balance and I’m not liking that long shadow and lack of detail, especially in her face. Hope you win….
B
B- The subject is closer so your more engaged with her also how her body is positioned is more appealing than strait towards the camera(image A). Also the subject is not in the middle of the frame making it a more interesting composition. Also you can see the people in the background more making the image more interesting. All these factors make it a more interesting composition to the viewer than image A.
Chase,
Absolutely no question: ‘B’, in my opinion.
In ‘A’ , I don’t feel I have an opportunity to engage with the subject and scenario. I don’t care enough to keep looking…
…it feels like just another fashion shot, too literal and documentative.
‘B’, on the other hand, I’m immediately intrigued. Why’s she walking away, why aren’t the guys even seeing her off, what’s happened here…?
More pleasing feel about the image too, less jarring composition, more audience involvement…
Jack
B. Better balanced. Model and van on thirds, blue of van against model. Turbines to prominent in A.