Morning flight-warm or cool?

[DanVH]

I have been working with this image for some time and cannot decide between the two versions. The cool version is closer to the actual light, very early on an October morning. What do you think?
Dan

[walter.sk]

I have been working with this image for some time and cannot decide between the two versions. The cool version is closer to the actual light, very early on an October morning. What do you think?
Dan

Nice capture!  I think that the cool version maintains the twilight feel with the surprise of the rising sun.  The mood in the mist is stronger by comparison, whereas in the warmer version the contrast between a predawn light and the brilliance of the rising sun is missing.

[John R]

It is a beautiful image, no matter which version you use. I can't get used to people posting different processed versions of their images. I settle on one and post it. Usually I strive for fidelity in representing the scene as much as possible, unless I want an interpretive image. I suppose black and white conversions would be an exception. But even then, what I want to communicate, is the main point. I come from the film slide era, where what you see is what you get. The only variations were in the choice of film, because they had slightly different characteristics. Looking at your second image, I would come to the conclusion that it was highly processed even if you told me otherwise, precisely because you posted two versions. Anyway, to me it is not a matter of better, but of which do you prefer and what vision do you want to communicate to the viewers.

John R.

[DanVH]

It is a beautiful image, no matter which version you use. I can't get used to people posting different processed versions of their images. I settle on one and post it. Usually I strive for fidelity in representing the scene as much as possible, unless I want an interpretive image. I suppose black and white conversions would be an exception. But even then, what I want to communicate, is the main point. I come from the film slide era, where what you see is what you get. The only variations were in the choice of film, because they had slightly different characteristics. Looking at your second image, I would come to the conclusion that it was highly processed even if you told me otherwise, precisely because you posted two versions. Anyway, to me it is not a matter of better, but of which do you prefer and what vision do you want to communicate to the viewers.

John R.

John your point is well taken, and in most cases I do not have this problem with images, I have a vision of the photo and try to reach it with out too much manipulation. This one has me a little off balance. However after reading Walter's post, I feel that the cooler version, which was my first effort, is the best for me. It is in fact more representative of the scene in my minds eye as I shot it. Thanks to you both for the constructive criticism .
Dan

[Colorado David]

The blue image looks to me like a sunrise while the orange one looks like just after sunset.  Nice work.

[Colorwave]

I'm in the cool camp with this image, but the orange bloom on the far right side seems a little oversaturated.  I'd lean towards a slightly softer, more subtle variation of the second (cool) image.
Nice shot.

[wolfnowl]

I prefer the second one as well...

Mike.

[francois]

I find the cooler version better (probably because I like the blue & orange hues) although the warmer version is also very appealing.

[Eric Myrvaagnes]

I like them both for different reasons. The cooler one has the nice color contrast, and draws my attention to the sunrise. The warmer one keeps my attention on the flight of birds. Both are good, but probably shouldn't be exhibited next to each other.

[button]

You're right, Dan, these two shots comminicate in two different ways.  Here's what I see:

Warmer version: more abstract, with emphasis on shape
Cooler version:  visual contrast created by the cool/warm color dynamic makes for less specific focus on any one area

Either way, you've done well.  I think that you can solve your dilemma by printing both and displaying them next to one another.  Maybe that's what your heart is telling you to do?  

John