Shot take while metering on the inside of the window.
Shot taken while metering on the outside of the window.
When I shoot and I know I may not be back to visit the subject any time soon I’ll take multiple shots. The various shots will include different manual exposures, different focal points, and different angles. I don’t bracket, I change my settings to achieve different effects.
For the images above I metered on the different light sources to achieve a totally different effect. One has more contrast, the other is high key. The top image shows only the interior of the window of the New York City Public Library while the second shows more of what is going on outside in the streets of NYC.
Which do you prefer?
Robyn Graham Photography 
I prefer the darker image…it gives the beauty of the divided light and some context from the exterior.
Thanks for taking time to comment, Robert! It is going to be fun to see what everyone thinks!
Yes, it always is.
The first shot is ethereal, Robyn, almost mystical and surreal. The second has a deeper dimensional richness, vivid with real details of life and movement.
I love them both.
Thank you Marylin! Have a wonderful day!
I like them both.
Me too, Don!
Wow! I like the second one. It’s amazing to be able to look outside.
Thanks Nicci! I hope all is well your way!
I like the first for its simplicity, but I, too, prefer the darker one for its context….
Thank you Sue, for taking time to share your thoughts!
I prefer the darker image
Thanks Andi!
🙂
Much prefer the second one. But you could have done an HDR with it I guess…
I suppose, Mario – except I haven’t really done any HDR work… You’ve got me thinking though and I may have to try it with these images.
I prefer the darker one too. The lighter one is beautiful but, compared to the one below, it is rather a cold and empty beauty. Adrian
Thanks so much Adrian! I like your perspective!