Had to look for a long time to discover why I’m more drawn to #2. = mystery.
#1 has a very interesting tension and contrast between the two characters. She’s looking at him and is very white and bland. He’s engrossed with himself and very dark and stark. But they aren’t doing anything together.
#2 two has two women communciating in some hidden manner. One is fresh with youth, the other a bit dowdy under the umbrella.
In #1 March 20th is blaring out out me. What does it contribute? When I erased it, in my mind, I still couldn’t find a story line between the characters.
#2 If the frame was a touch to the right, the distracting second image would be removed from the left and the white sign would be more of a lead in from the right.
#2 is very captivating, while #1 is just a snap.
Of course these are just my feeble thoughts and opinions.
Hey Kev agree with the majority its the second for me too. Even from a technical point of view its better regards sharpness and the mystery does add to the shot