Photo Opinions Please if you have time

[David]

I'm in a dead heat with two other people leading a photography competition with one round to go. So it all hangs on the last photo entry where I could drop out of the running or get at least third place. I've got two photos and not sure which to submit. I'm inclined to the one called "The Lightning Tree" as something more dramatic for a competition, but "The Oak Grove" would look nicer on the wall but the back of the sign on the foreground fence is potentially problematic for a competition because it draws the eye. If you get a moment which do you prefer, please?

The Lightning Tree


The Oak Grove

 

[kateincornwall]

Both wonderful , but The Oak Grove has the edge for me , I love it . Good luck x

 

[Sophiedoodle]

The Lightning Tree!
It’s so dramatic and I love it - my eyes are drawn to it

 

[Natalie]

I like the Oak Grove too, the first one is more dramatic, but I'd want to look at the second one for longer

 

[Anne123]

What is the theme of the competition?

 

[David]

This round is just 2021. Photos must be taken this year. Nothing from the archives.

 

[Oberon]

Lightning Tree.

The oak grove looks like a beautiful place to be.

 

[edzbird]

The Lightning Tree. It's striking. Ooops. I don;'t like the metal kissing gate on the beautiful Oak Grove, even though I want to be there,

 

[Jacqui-S]

I would go for the lightening tree although I might want a little extra sky at the top.

The oak grove is lovely, but just some nice countryside and i don't like the kissing gate much.

Is there also a sign on the bottom of the lightening tree??

 

[Sophiedoodle]

I don;'t like the metal hissing gate on the beautiful Oak Grove,

I agree. I feel it would be more appealing if it was wooden like the rest of the fence!

 

[Selina27]

The lightening tree for me.

 

[Candy]

The lightening tree for me too, although both are excellent.

 

[HAH]

Lightning tree - more drama, starkness, and an unusual composition. And more 2021 in my view.
The Oak Grove is lovely but the gentle bucolic atmosphere feels a bit too ‘easy’.

 

[Granca]

Yes, The Lightning Tree for me too, it’s really dramatic. The Oak Grove is lovely, but the metal gate seems to interrupt the peaceful scene.

 

[Lab_adore]

Lightning tree here too - as lovely as the Oak Grove is

 

[Cath]

The lightning tree.

Although the Oak grove is lovely its just like any photo you would take when out walking.

 

[jazzmynn]

Both beautiful in their own way, but Lightening Tree hands down for me!

 

[snowbunny]

The subject is the second image is the fence and gate (I didn't even notice the sign you mentioned until later - the lightness and metallic material of the round thing - gate? - on the left is a far stronger visual pull), and I don't think that's what you're going for. Yet, that's the most compelling element in the frame. The first image is simpler and the heavy contrast draws you into the tree. If any editing is allowed, I would clone out the top right piece of the tree because it draws the eye out of the image, but if that's not allowed, it's still the stronger of the two.

 

[Oberon]

I really like the knobby bit at the top right. It does draw the eye, but then you travel back down the tree. Also it makes it look like the tree is striving upwards. Be interesting to compare the two options side by side though.

 

[Oberon]

Also I think the knobby top right bit balances the dark branch on the bottom left.