Hate to keep beating the horse

[chrisc]

but I am working on some editing workflows and need some honest opinions. The first is the original edit (though with Nick's suggestion of a more natural look to the fall of the chain). The second (right side) is a modified Byrne-ing technique. Which do you like best and why?

If one doesn't at all suit your fancy, again, please tell me why.

(The transfer from one size to the other doesn't do either the justice they deserve, but all things are equal, I guess.)

[Leslie]

I like them both....yet, I like the second one a bit better because of the deeper color and the blending in the chain without totally losing sight of it.
the first one appeals to my lighter side but the chain seems to distract me.

The shot in general is full of possibilities which makes a great image in my opinion!
Happy Weekend!

[nickjohnson]

Chris, I like #1 best – and #2 is an also ran.
This is directly related to what I can see in these small size pics.
#1 is far more subtle. In #1 I can see proper detail in the reflection of the boat bow. That same area in #2 is blocked up – also the real boat bow in #2 has too much local contrast – it looks a bit “crunchy”. The colours – mainly the blue - in #1 are nicely faded. In #2 the blue looks like it was (badly) painted yesterday.

[clactonian]

I'm with Nick on this one Chris. It's #1.

[jiro]

I would go with #1. #2 seems to have that "clean" look on the highlights that does not seem to jive well with a dilapidated boat.