Longwood 3 (+alt)

Here is one obvious cropped version. Preference? 

Hi Scott:

I like the second crop better than the first. 

I am too in favor of the second version. Scott I am feeling that there is a pictorial soul in this image: have you tried to lower the contrast, higher the light and reduce the color saturation? Just for experimenting. Anyway I love the photo also as it is.

Scott: Hmmm, count me in for the first. For me the BG makes the shot and seeing more of it in the original crop works better for me. The second version is strong but more about just the flowers. Both are wonderful renditions. >=))>

I'm with Bill. To me, composition is both about what you exclude and what you include. Millet's painting of "The Gleaners" wouldn't be nearly as effective with just the three gleaning ladies, without the busy farm operation ongoing in the background. It gives the painting a depth of meaning and connection that would be missing if it were just three ladies picking over field stubble.

Thus, I think the first crop is masterful, showing in a subdued fashion the community of plants and light that envelop and frame the lone blossom.

Both are very good, Scott. I slightly prefer the first one. I like the painterly background in this version. Love the warm and springtime feel.

I like this mostly, Scott.  It has a nice painterly feel and I like the color palette.  The only thing I'm having trouble with is the next to top flower which is enough oof to end up with almost a double image look at the end of the flower.  Something about it drives my eyes nuts-they keep trying to make it focus and it won't go.   I think I prefer your first comp.  These don't sem to want to fill the frame that way.