Picture #1 is cropped way too close, as there is just no compositional value. It's more like the kind of picture you would see in a flower magazine or book as to species. It's also too contrasty due to the strong directional light. Believe me, I know that 1st hand, as I'm often forced to shoot in those very conditions. Now Picture #2 is a excellent composition, simple yet effective. Slightly over exposed. Try a slight re-edit to decrease the exposure a tad, and increase saturation a tad as well. Still, nicely done.