Which focus is better?

[Keta]

Hey folks, haven't been around in a while, been putting to use all the good advice I got here last year.

This is two photos of the same scene, but with different focus. Which is better? I haven't cropped them, or done any adjustments to the levels either, so suggestions in that regard would also be welcome.

It's OK to edit these photos if it makes the explanation easier . . . I couldn't find where to indicate that in my profile!

thanks everyone!

-Keta

oh, it's a Canon EOS Elan II with 75-300mm lens, 400 HD film

 

[drgibson]

I like the forground focus better the other seems distracting. Might even be better with a closer cropping.

 

[xfloggingkylex]

I much prefer number 1.

 

[Flash Harry]

too much clutter in both for me, the cropped foreground one would be an improvement but a closer shot of either the group or single mallard would be the way to go. H

 

[theRossatron]

No1 is my fav - nice shot.

 

[BoblyBill]

I would agree. There is just a little too much clutter so it's hard to find something to consentrate on and hold my focus. I see what you are getting at but it was only apparent once you posted the two pictures. If you would have posted one, I wouldn't have been as obvious. You did a great job on the focus though. I have that same camera!!! I really like it.

 

[deggimatt]

I prefer number 1... the duck in 1 has more colors

 

[hamburger]

I find both too cluttered, too.

 

[Keta]

Hey thanks you guys! right on.

Getting the hang of focussing for effect has been a trial; I'm always working with subjects that move constantly.

OK, given your advice . ... how about this instead

a different shot of #1, just the background

and a different shot of the foreground duck alone

it's hard to believe these two are moments apart; I was really going for the contrast in lighting etc. between the foregrounds and backgrounds. I guess I picked a scene too complicated for that attempt?

-Keta

PS: yes the camera is super-awesome and makes me happy every day!

 

[fabster]

well done, thats what i would have done also, i agreed with the clutter in the shot, but with those cropped shots, your set!