Can't decide which shot is better composed or more pleasing.....help?

[DavefromCt]

I like both shots but would like some opinions as to which is more pleasing to the eye....thanks!

 

[jmurphy]

I like the second one better.

 

[bogeyguy]

No.2 by far.

 

[Mike Lamb]

They are both good but I like 1 better but crop out the far left pier.

 

[Light Guru]

Definitely number 1. The crab or lobster pots at the top help give a more complete story.

 

[Derrel]

I prefer the wider, more-encompassing view of the scene. I LIKE the traps at the top!

 

[Fred Berg]

I prefer the first one but would compose it so that the ladder wasn't quite so centrally positioned.

 

[bvjgcigh]

The first one is much more interesting.

 

[Raj_55555]

#1 for me as well!

 

[sashbar]

No 1 .

 

[Forkie]

I didn't even notice the traps at the top until someone else mentioned them, so I don't think they add much. No. 2 for me.

 

[DavefromCt]

Thanks everyone....appreciate the input!

 

[Braineack]

both are good in their own regards. I prefer #1 myself.

 

[ronlane]

#1 in my opinion.

 

[JoeW]

#1 for me. A few comments:
--I'd crop #1 so it accentuates the vertical lines in the ladder and ropes.
--I also wouldn't put the ladder in the exact center....rule of thirds and all that...so a portrait orientation (and crop) can accomplish two objectives with one action (by placing the ladder off-center).
--#2 (to me) looks over saturated b/c it focuses on the algae on the ladder so it looks like paint or overly enhanced green and but you see it in context (i.e.: #1), it fits.
--the lobster pots don't stand out but they're red...and that works very well with the green of the algae in a very subtle, unconscious way that enhances the composition.