Which background do you prefer for this Flying Fox?

[Wildlife_by_Brett]

I was shooting Grey Headed Flying Foxes while looking into the sun (hey rules were made to be broken). I posted the original image with the colored background but the a friend suggested a totally black background would look cool.

What do you think? Any feedback welcome

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[Jerryjaws]

1st one

 

[Replytoken]

The first one. I like having the lighting and it gives the image a bit of context and dimension.

--Ken

 

[will139]

1st one.

 

[RADMAN]

Personally, I think the first one needs the background toned down a bit as the brightness (especially lower portion) distracts from the main subject. But then I think it would be the clear choice.

 

[Deleted member 115]

What Radman said ☝

 

[birdied]

Also agree with Radman

 

[Palouse]

First one for me too, but with Radman's tweak!

 

[Cayman2020]

#1 Stunning shot.

 

[Wildlife_by_Brett]

Thanks so much for the input everyone. I did tone down the background and I'm now really happy with it

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[cvilou]

#1 as the bokeh gives a nice context.

 

[bajadreamer]

Great, unique shot! The backlighting makes this even more special. Most of my bat shots have been taken with flash so a dark underexposed background is "normal", but with this shot the light direction makes your original second shot (black background) look strange.

 

[Owen Kane]

Yea the first one is much much nicer!

 

[ssheipel]

Thanks so much for the input everyone. I did tone down the background and I'm now really happy with it View attachment 611

This one nails it!

 

[Vixpix]

yup agreed, first shot with background toned down, Brilliant shot. well done , love it, so different!!

 

[cjh]

Really cool shot. Another vote for natural 1st one from me.

 

[gordon_g]

#1 for sure.... LOVE that shot!

 

[dwillar]

The toned down bokeh really pops the little guy and adds a world of context. Excellent choice and excellent work!

 

[Woody Meristem]

It all depends on your objective, if you want the bat in context then it #1 if you want a portrait of the bat it's #2. Personally I prefer the second.

 

[Woodyg3]

Really a great shot. The edit of #1 is the best, I think

 

[BorderBirder]

Toned down No. 1 is the best!! And it’s great. Black background doesn’t fit with the light on the wee beast, for me.

 

[Andrew Lamberson]

Very nice!!!!

 

[ruley74]

Jesus... thread dig!

 

[jeffnles1]

Either edit works. I like the first one after you toned down the background the best because it shows a little context and environment of where this beautiful creature lives. However the black background works too if you're wanting to showcase the "bats hunt at night" part of their lives.

 

[markymark]

I like the way the black background completely isolates the subject, but agree that the first one is my favourite.