Which one?

[brighteyesphotos]

I'm working on editing down for my series for display. Please keep in mind, these are scanned from the negatives, no tweaking or editing. I wanted to keep them on my computer in their original form as much as I can for my own purposes. The final prints will be better. I am focusing more on the composition and the story the picture tells.

For these four, it's a firefighter's boot left at a scene where a fire had destroyed the place (well the inside anyways, the outer walls are still standing for now). Which of the 4 speaks to you more? I do have my favorite but I'm looking to gauge the audience's reaction.

#1

#2

(in the print I have made, the boot is not so "hot" and more detail is seen)

#3

(again, the "hot spot" is not as hot in the actual print)

#4

Again, these are straight from negative, not final prints. My scanner does not scan larger prints. I'm focusing on the composition more right now.

 

[ladyphotog]

I like #1 the best but I would crop to the top of the stairs because the out of focus building in the background is distracting.

 

[britonk]

Like #1 and number 4 - the other 2 arn't so interesting, perhaps lacking a focal point? But I'm no expret!

 

[mysteryscribe]

yet again the lady and I agree.

 

[oldnavy170]

I would have to say its #1 for me. I think what adds to it is the police tape just laying there. I even think if you use one of the others I would add the police tape near the boot. I believe that it helps tell your story.

 

[becmaclean]

I like #1 the best...w/ a little cropping of the stairs

#2 seems to me that the stairs take up too much of the focus as the boot and police tape are off to the side

#3 the boot gets entirely lost in all the debris

#4 was not so bad but, once again, #1 was my favorite