Which one to choose?

[Snappers]

Hi All,
I have just completed a one day photo course and I have to choose one image to have printed on a canvas. Only problem is, I cant decide which one. Could you take a look at the two photos below and let me know which you think is the best one and why?
Thanks

[eyerkish]

Hi Andy,

I like the first one a little bit better. That one gets my vote.

[coffee]

I agree with Eddie, the first one. The second images flowers focus doesn't seem to sharp. But the green leaf in front of the lower flower, is in sharp focus. Focus missed the main subject. The first images subjects stamen seems to be in good focus and falls off from there, which is good. What I would do, is raise the exposure in post for the second image if you use that one. First just seems a touch too dark.

[Kaye]

Hi Andy,

If not too late, I would suggest going with the first image also.
I too would suggest adding a bit more 'brightness' to this image. Not sure what software you use, but if you use Photoshop, Curves and Levels should brighten this up nicely.

If you are permitted to crop the image for this course, I would try cropping a touch off the bottom and also the left side to get the stamen of the main yellow flower more in line with Rule of Thirds.
Just my thoughts.

[Snappers]

Thanks everyone for your thoughts, It is appreciated. I too like the first one best. I will try the alterations you all have suggested and see what it looks like. I do have the image in RAW file so it should be quite easy to work with.
Thanks again.
Any other thoughts appreciated, it's never to late :-)