I like this one also, and I am still on the way for coffee, lol.
JuneBug

Hard to choose between two delicious photos... They both have that special beauty you can't define. Colours and lighting are superb.
Hilde

I prefer this one. you feel more the depth and the geometry in the composition^^

It is a close call, but I like this one a little better mainly because of the increased depth. Very interesting shot with this extreme lighting.

I like theis one much better . it seems more naturel. Good work.

I also like this one better...the heighth of the stairway lends itself well to the portrait mode and makes it more, well, inviting, and intriguing and of course offers more depth which I think is visually more appealing...nice shot.:Pat.

The portrait is the best because it gives the image more room to open up it's shadow and contrasting aspects.Well done mon ami!1
Peace&Respect Jojo

Perfect angle, perfect time of day. Nice composition and balance, nice contrasts. Well, guess I should just say, I like this picture, Pierre! cheers

Since the subject is the stairs and you are inviting me to view them, it is my opinion this is the better composition. It makes me feel more like stepping in than the other...and I don't want to injure my noggin on the other border as I step in. I agree this is well exposed for a difficult exposure...but I wouldn't expect any less from you Pierre:-)

Nice , i must say i prefer this one.

Of the two I prefer this one because the steps seem to be going somewhere. I think this was taken in harsh sunlight, which technically is a no no but it has given it a somewhat abstract look that is quite appealing.

You don't know how it's interesting for me to read your constructive comments on the two photos :-)
I was working on PS and I couldn't choose which one to upload...
Thanks to all!

i like this one more. i like how the long stair leads the eye. but the other's good too.
the two pictures show how important the cutting is. they look very different, though they are the same.

If I were putting this on my wall, this is the orientation I'd prefer, but as desktop wallpaper I prefer the landscape orientation. The landing at the top is a good anchor for the image, but as wallpaper we want coverage, and landscape is the way to go for that purpose. As i pointed out in the other version of this, your composition and lighting are superb.

Great composition.

I feel this is alot better than the previous, though both are very strong and artistic. The added depth i much prefer, though my favourite thing would be the tree/roots and the wonderful lighting gently showing its texture. Well taken!

The contrast gives it a wonderful depth and some mistery...Additionaly the stairs create a nice rythm and make me wonder where would I land if I went up.

I thought I liked this one better just from the thumbnails but enlarged and bouncing between the two I'm amazed at the completely different feel and focus of the same shot taken two ways. This one seems very abstract and more about the balance of light and shadow, pattern and shape.