I like both images - the processing is very different on each of them.
I think the 'outtake' may have done a bit better in scoring due to the increased pop that the saturation and contrast brings. The entry is very calm and beautiful and fits the title very well. But with the time that the average voters gives to voting, I think the more dramatic processing of the outtake may have even done a bit better (maybe as high as 6.5-6.7.
I didn't vote on the Free Study this time, and so hadn't seen your photo before. I like both versions, but the first really stands out for me - I think it is the sense of movement in the grasses that I find particularly appealing.
I like the second better because it has a more even distribution of color and saturation... the foreground and the clouds on the first do not tie-up very well in my eyes (I agree with a comment in the first one for a square crop).
Thanks for your comments peeps :)I will be going back to the Inner Hebrides next year and will revisit this great location (and hopefully spend more time shooting).
