Sand Castle ALT +2

Wonderful light and beautiful color in the sky, Dave. The dunes appear to need a touch more contrast to bring out more texture there. I love the shapes and the curves.

You and Harley had some truly epic light and clouds during your trip to DV!
--P

This one isn't working for me, Dave. The sky is wonderful and the composition is strong. However, these dunes come to life with sunlight, even just around the edges. 

Preston, Igor,
Thanks for the helpful critique. I raised the blacks and increased the contrast in the dunes. It is a bit more "stylized" rendition but I think I prefer this version.

Excellent shapes and great sky. I like the direction of the repost, but for my money, I would take it even further to get more contrast on the dunes. 

I like the direction of the repost, but for my money, I would take it even further to get more contrast on the dunes. 

Yep. Dave, if you use TK's masks, try using one of the more restrictive mid-tones masks. Be sure to 'paint' out the sky in the mask--it looks great.
--P 

Preston, Harley,
Thanks for very helpful suggestions. It's interesting that I didn't perceive the weak contrast until you pointed it out. I added a TK mid-tone adjustment with the sky masked as suggested. 
How is this... not enough, too far?

The second repost works for me. Much more depth to my eye.  thumbs up here. 

A gorgeous picture Dave.  Love the soft light.  I am keenest on your second image.  I think that is perhaps a tad colourful but the contrast seems just right.

You're a miracle worker, Dave. Both reposts look better than original. I may like the 1st repost more but it's a matter of taste now. How much contrast do you like? The colors are stronger in the 2nd, to match that sky. Yeah, I guess the 2nd is better. 

You could fade the sky reds a bit in the 1st repost to match the mellow mood of the dunes. I like the 1st repost because it doesn't have the 'scream factor' of the other one. But it's a personal preference. 

Dave, I like the first repost best... It is just right for my taste. Beautiful image and work!

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI.

Repost #2 looks much better. You were able to pull some texture that, as Harley says, adds to the depth.

Thanks for taking the time to do the tweaks, Dave.
--P

I like the first repost best. 
Amazing work, simply beautiful...

Gorgeous scene with a strong/powerful comp. I think I lean toward the last repost. But the first one is nice too. The added contrast does seem to give it more interest or presence. Nice!

Good work with the reposts.  Definitely more dynamic and 3d.   Gotta love dunes!

aF

Hard to pick a favorite, but I am leaning toward the last repost, Dave. The shapes and lines are just fantastic as are the colors in this landscape. I think the added contrast has given the image just a little pop and created some lovely textures. Beautifully done.

Ed

Beautiful scene, great curves and your reposts do the trick to brig the dunes alive. The 2nd post is my favorite.  Some sky!  Big dust spot near the center in the dune.

I second what everyone has said about this image. Great image. I think I like the second one best. I have been enjoying you images from the dunes at Death Valley.

The dunes look great, Dave, and the sky is awesome.  I was about to suggest some more contrast in the dunes, but I see you've taken care of that in the reposts.  The extra gold in the final repost looks good also.

Dave,

A beautiful dune image.  Love the colors and soft light.  And because of that I almost prefer the original, although the first repost I think is best. The 2nd one goes to far I think and the processing no longer matches the soft, subtle and gentleness of the colors and contrast.

I don't know if this has been mentioned, but more than any color or contrast, I'm wishing for a bit more room all the way around, but mostly along the bottom.  While the sweeping curve along the bottom is key to the composition, I'm just wishing for a little more room at the bottom.  It's such a grand and beautiful scene, I'm wishing it was more expansive... but then I suspect there were constraints that you didn't want to include.

Lon

Dave: Just a wonderful scene and fabulous light. I appreciate your processing efforts and think I prefer the first repost. I love shooting dunes and you guys are making me want to head that way or to Great Sand Dunes NP in the near future. Marvelous image.>=))>

Late to the party here, but I think it's a beautiful composition and I prefer the third iteration best.  Looks like you and Harley had a great time!