I'm a noob too, so take everything with a grain of salt.
#1 I like it a lot. The water droplets on the pad are blown out, though, maybe burn them in?? Also, the tonal breakup in the corners is distracting. I've had this happen to me also. Since these areas don't have detail, maybe a little shot of the blur tool would work??(edited to add, my bad, the tonal issues were totally due to my crappy work laptop screen).
I like the lighting in this pic. I think the focus is too soft on the front edge of the leaf. Also, the background is distracting. Maybe too centered laterally.
Love the simplicity of the first. Nicely composed, framed. Perhaps a bit more detail in the water, a bit sharper on the pads?
Second doesnt hold as much interest; I think its too centered. And as said above, needs something to make it more intriguing.
