Yesterday, I blathered about the photographic advice to get closer to your subject. Of course, it’s a guideline, which may at times conflict with other guidelines.
On the other and sometimes conflicting hand, another important principle is to be aware natural frames for your photos.
When I spotted this father-son duo fishing from the dock, it seemed as though I had a natural frame of trees and bushes around the pair. In the first example, I make use of the frame; in the second I zoom closer. While there is still something of a frame in the second example, I’ll let the reader be the judge of which is the preferred photo … because I can’t quite make up my mind.
I think there is still enough in the way of compositional elements to cause me to prefer the closer shot. Perhaps the fact that Dad is not on the phone in that photo is worth something. 🙂 The next time I look, however, I will probably change my mind and prefer the longer shot.
The AC is On 
I prefer the second photo, it concentrates more on the people in it.
Whichever photograph anyone prefers, they would be getting a great picture in my opinion. They are really, really nice. Could be postcards or something on a travel brochure.
I like the second: As Mara said, it brings out the people. Also, it brings out the repeated upright patterns of trees in the background and posts in the foreground.
However…
The frame in the first has a beautiful corner in the branches of the right-hand tree. If it were cropped so that corner remained, and there was less grass in the foreground and evergreen on the left, I think it might be my favorite!
I prefer the long shot.
Great tips Ac…I like the first shot. Nice framing.
hughugs
I heartily agree with your get closer advice, and I like the frame in the first of today’s photos.
Who knew lillies came with such fancy names. You have some lovely blooms there.
Me, I do a lot of cropping – I take a series of shots of what catches my eye, at different settings sometimes, and then crop for effect.
For me it’s the first shot and I’m not even sure why!
I like the first shot A/C, I think it is because of the trees as well as the father/son fishing. Both great pictures……..:-)Hugs
I surprised the people photographer in me by preferring the long shot.