As recommended by Brian, to try the second shot in black and white..... It works rally well!! I've darkened a few distracting patches in the shot that take the eye away from the subject.
Thanks Brian. I've replaced it for the second edit.
Super stuff again Dan. The first reminds me of those guardian figures in one of the scenes from Lord of the Rings. Not so much intimidating as vigilant. Whereas the second brings to mind those rather dark Scandinavian murder series. Here we are at the point where the lady walking her dog finds the victim. Sill hanging from the pole by the garotte! The starburst of light adds to the tension I find.