Layer Upon Layer + REPST

Wonderful lines and compression with that lens. I've never seen a Death Valley shot like this, which is a high compliment since there are so many! The black and white works very well here and the comp is very pleasing. Definitely has the look of corduroy fabric scrunched up on a table top. Very intriguing and unique shot.

A fascinating abstract for me,Harley! I especially enjoy the interplay of the horizontal lines and more vertical ones, that makes for an amazing kind of multidirectional flow to my eye. Great piece of art in my opinion.

Peter

Wow! What a wonderful image. First impression: it has a 3D appearance especially the middle of the bottom three layers which looks like it is at the same depth as the dunes at the top. However,  when I look at it again and again, I get entirely different impressions. For just "messing" around you sure came up with a winner.

This is awesome, Harley.  I'm not sure I have seen this many layers captured before, and the bit of cloud in the upper right third almost looks like sandy spindrift.  The places with vertical calving (not sure what it's called with dunes, but that's what it would be with glaciers) really add to the image. I can perhaps imagine a few more highlights, but I'm undecided on it, so I will just shut up and enjoy.
ML

This looks so much like Edward Weston's dune images from Oceano Beach made in the 30's. He also did nudes in same dunes. It's the rich mesmerizing texture that's so great. The bottom dune is what makes this shot uniquely different than most that we see. It's bold, in your face, presence define the image for me. Great work, Harley. 

This is pretty amazing, Harley, to get all the horizontal layers against the vertical ripples in great side light. When I look at the bottom portion it almost looks like a composite. I'm a big fan of dunes so thanks for posting this.

Looks familiar. Who found this composition anyway? . Seriously, I'm not sure I came away with anything this nice from this vantage point. The tightly composed layering here is very striking and the vertical sand ripples enhance the abstract quality. The composition looks spot-on but I would try boosting the highlights a bit.

Simply spectacular image Harley, the dunes look endless. I can just imagine your eyes lighting up when you found this scene....

How far out did you have to hike to get no footprints?

This image is great as presented, but I agree with Dave that you could open up the highlights a little, and it would pop even more.






 

Very good suggestions regarding the highlights. Boosted them a bit on this repost. Thanks!

This is off the charts, Harley...
Don't know how those ridges got so sharp and with the verts it is mindblowing.
Thanks..

Outstanding dune image Harley!  That is until you posted the rework!  Outstanding +++ :-)  Said it before and will keep saying it, it's amazing how such seemingly small changes can make such a big difference to so many images. This is no exception - the contrast now is exceptional.

The sharpness  and distinct definition of the ridgelines not only give this a 3D effect, but one might come to the conclusion this is a composite, which it is not.  It just makes this image that much more engaging.  One could stare at this for a long time and never get tired of it.

Impressive work sir.

Lon

Both are incredible Harley. Compression between the folds is amazing. The repost is ever so slightly more amazing. Wow!!!

Harley, I'm not sure the repost is an improvement. The increased contrast resulted in a more attention getting image but there is some loss of detail. Some of the tonal richness has been lost.

Wow, Harley. Great image for sure. The repost works even better. These dunes patterns and shapes are really incredibly detailed. I have been looking at the larger version for about 3 minutes speechless. Well done! 

Beautiful job with this, so many areas of interest I just keep moving around to enjoy it all.  I'm sure a large print would produce great detail in all of the dunes that are hard to appreciate in the small online versions.  Glad no footprints didn't disturb the dunes.

I like the change to the fore and middle dunes, but the rear dune seems to have gotten just a little too bright to me.  It is different to see the parallel edges as opposed to the normal curves.
 

I've studied both images for a good while now, especially after reading Igor's comments.  It's a close call because both are so impressive, but I think I'll go with the repost.  I say "I think" because it's hard to truly compare them given the size difference.  I definitely like the obvious increase in contrast, but the repost is simply not large enough for me to check out the detail loss that Igor mentions.  I love the abstract nature of this and the fantastic tonal range of the repost.  You could literally stand in this location and shoot intimate abstracts for hours!  Superb image, Harley.
 

Harley, this is a great dunes image!  Love the lines leading into the distance and how they're crisscrossed by the ridges.  For me the extra darkness in the original post adds a bit of mystery that I like.

Sweet dune image, Harley. This has a wonderful depth to it with the crisscrossing dunes and those ripples in the sand do a masterful job of pulling me into the scene. you guys hit the gold mine with this one.

Ed

Harley, This is absolutely Fantastic. The original post works great!! Not bad for just messing around with Dave...
Haven't been on here much lately but hope to soon.

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI.

I like the repost, but I’m not sure that the brighter sections of dune in the distance are an improvement.  If it were mine, I might go back to the original and just increase highlights in the bottom half.  Just a thought.
ML

Outstanding dune image, Harley.  I think I prefer the original.  The moodiness comes across in spades, and the textures are off the charts.  Unique and very well seen.  Hope all is well.  Santa Barbara has been in the news for all the wrong reasons.