Which do you prefer (if either)? C & C appreciated

[flashback]

Image 1 is the full shot, image 2 is a crop. Does one work better over the other? Is there a better crop in there? All thoughts and comments greatly appreciated.

Image 1


Image 2

[John 2]

Jack, I think that the content and lighting is on the money but compositionally, the red leaf is too central in the first image and placed on the left as in the second image, it's pointing out of the frame. For me, cropping the first image to put the leaf to the lower RHS would be better. Something like:

[flashback]

John, thanks for your input. I knew there were a few other crops in there, hard sometimes to land on the best one.
I've re-cropped the image similar to your crop, but without cutting off the lower, gold leaf. Let me know what you think.

Image 3


This is another crop, I like the transition from shadow to light. Thoughts?

[Wavelength]

I really like the colors and lighting here...no doubt, i love the close up much more; this is one of my favorite subject too
Regards

[flashback]

Thanks Nandakumar for the compliment and the feedback.

[chauncey]

I would try to erase/clone out the artifacts in the one orange/yellow leaf.
You've got some blown highlights in other spots that need cloned out.

[flashback]

William,
If possible could you give me an image # to narrow it down for me?
When you say orange-yellow leaf, do you mean the one beneath the red maple leaf? Artifacts?
Are you referring to the small portion of a leaf in the LLH corner that has blown highlights?
Thanks for the input, much appreciated.

[chauncey]

#1...all the leaves in the LL corner have artifacts/hot spots.

[flashback]

I get what you mean by hot spots but I'm a bit at a loss as to what you mean by artifacts.

[John 2]

Image 3 is even better Jack.

[Kaye Leggett]

I think the crop in image 3 is the best.

[flashback]

Thank you John and Kaye.
And per Chauncy I'll see what I can do about the hot spots.