Red Rock and Moon + B&W version

I like how you've combined the lunar (or martian I suppose) with the moon in simple but balanced composition. A black and white rendition might make the landscape/moon connection even stronger (and allow you to really bring out the sandstone textures).

Although you have some complimentry colors here, I think Floris is on to something. When you do a B&W conversion, it is possible to pull out some amazing texture from sandstone. When presented in color, this photo is in the realm of reality. As a B&W, it can surpass that boundary.

Jay,

I really like your composition here. This incorporates the "rule of thirds" pretty nicely and I think this results in a well balanced image.

B&W could be a good alternative, but I think this can be worked in color just as well. My suggestion would be to darken the sandstone with a Levels adjustment. Actually a perfect image to try out Tony Kuypers luminosity masks and painting techniques. The lower portion and really the whole image is a little bright for me. Pretty easy to take care of that.

The other suggestion I have, which is too late now... :-) would be to take two exposures, primarily for focus and depth of field. I'm wishing the moon was a little sharper and I think a focus blend is something to try down the road.

Thanks for posting.

Lon

Great composition! I love it as is but also think it will work well in B&W using a red filter.

Guy

Thanks for the comments. Here's my attempt at B&W for this shot - does it work? I see what you guys mean about texture from a B&W conversion.

Jay,

Works very well for me. Even the moon seems sharper with more definition. I would still consider burning down the LL with this, even with the b&w. But this definitely has more of an impact and shows very well. Thanks for reposting.

Lon

Excellent composition, and the b&w works well for this type of image.
I agree with Lon's advice re: burning down the bright band of stone in the lower left corner subtly.