Mute swans - Which image do you prefer?

[MT_Mass]

Below are images of 2 adult Mute Swans that were happily feeding next to me on a lakeshore. The first is the original image and the second is a quick and dirty cloning out of the grass (I realize I would need to refine this and blend better). Just curious what version you all prefer. I'm back and forth.
Uncropped, D500, Nikkor 500mm f/5.6 PF, 1/1250, auto iso 3200, denoised in Topaz Denoise AI.

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[will139]

#2

 

[Commodorefirst]

Depends if you are after a nature “Natural“ image, or a fine art image with a nature subject. Some of the competitions I judge do not allow cloning out of nature elements, others do. Personally, I think the primary subject is the swan’s head Or eye, so number two for me is my biased fave.

 

[MT_Mass]

Depends if you are after a nature “Natural“ image, or a fine art image with a nature subject. Some of the competitions I judge do not allow cloning out of nature elements, others do. Personally, I think the primary subject is the swan’s head Or eye, so number two for me is my biased fave.

Thanks! No plans to enter a competition...this is primarily for me and the rare person that might want to buy a print. I like the symmetry of the heads only...my wife likes the plant left in...

 

[cjh]

1.

 

[Kathy G]

I like both. Having to choose, I go with the second photo.

 

[birdied]

The 2nd one.

 

[Steve]

#2 as well. The seaweed is distracting after a moment.

 

[bajadreamer]

Number two also. The seaweed adds nothing but distraction IMO. The symmetry of the two birds and the eye of #1 swan is what makes the shot.