Sandstone variations

Cornflake

Criticism is welcome.

1

2

3

4 These are dunes composed of eroded sandstone:

denisegoldberg

My favorite of the set is 3, I think because of the contrast between the ground and the sky. I also really like 2. I think the more subtle coloration of the rocks works better for me than the harsher rocks in 1.

Cornflake

Thanks for the feedback, Denise.

black mamba

I lean toward #2. I ordinarily like a sharp image, from front to back. I wonder, though, if #2 would offer a greater sense of depth if you had played with the aperture and focus point to soften up the back of the scene. It's nice as is, though.

Stumblebum

Sweet!

Cornflake

Thanks, guys.

"I wonder, though, if #2 would offer a greater sense of depth if you had played with the aperture and focus point to soften up the back of the scene." I can see why you'd say that. The lines lead the eye to that area, though, and I wouldn't want a blur when the eyes arrive. The more dispositive answer is that I didn't think about it and can't easily go back!

torags

I like #4... desolation, negative space and color works well...

Well done Corny

Cornflake

Thanks, rags.

David_S85

Great set. Love number four! The negative space is perfect with this pic. Maybe it is the smaller size you posted here, but is there a way you can get more definition out of that sand? IOW, make it slightly darker? Looks almost (but not quite) blown out to me.

Richard

Nice work. I think #3 is my favorite--the little bit of sky helps give a sense of scale. Well done.

Cornflake

David, Richard, thanks very much.

David, I checked to see what detail I could get out of the sand. The sun was overhead and it was pretty flat. But with tone mapping and structure I brought some out. Here's an unfinished version. The detail adds depth. The bad news is that the detail consists in large part of footprints and ATV tracks. I'll work on it and see what I can do. Appreciate the feedback.

Juano

@black mamba said:
I lean toward #2. I ordinarily like a sharp image, from front to back. I wonder, though, if #2 would offer a greater sense of depth if you had played with the aperture and focus point to soften up the back of the scene. It's nice as is, though.

I agree, this is my favorite shot, a tad more contrast perhaps?