Which is the more pleasing pose?

[Richard Stern]

2 shots of a Common Grackle. One facing slightly away but bill open. The other facing slightly towards but bill closed. I was hoping to get one of the bird facing towards and bill open, but couldn't. Nova Scotia, 17/5/22. Tfl, and comments welcome.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

 

[NorthernFocus]

IMO the slight turn toward the camera is preferable.

 

[jeffnles1]

If I had to choose one it would be the first one with beak open. I tend to like wildlife shots when they are doing something interesting vs. just sitting there. To me the one with the beak open tells more of a story. Is it singing, is it fighting with a bird off the camera, is it getting ready to catch something? It draws more interest. If you were looking for an ID shot or to show a good shot of what the grackle looks like then number 2 is more "classic" field guide type of photo.

[edited to correct typo]

 

[Woody Meristem]

I too would pick the one with the grackle turned slightly toward the camera.

 

[Basil]

If I had to choose one it would be the first one with beak open. I tend to like wildlife shots when they are doing something interesting vs. just sitting there. To me the one with the beak open tells more of a story. Is it singing, is it fighting with a bird off the camera, is it getting ready to catch something? It draws more interest. If you were looking for an ID shot or to show a good shot of what the grackle looks like then number 2 is more "classic" field guide the of photo.

Yep No1 for me for the reasons above.