BW Repo of Algodones Dunescape #4

Wow, you sure got some nice images on your trip.  The texture is amazing.  I'm a little surprised that you didn't go mono with this one.   It looks like it has great potential to me if you decide to go that route.  Either way it works very well. I got nothing for suggestions, love it.

Thanks, Gary.  I did go mono on it, but I was on the fence about which one I preferred.  One way I sometimes get some perspective on composition is by looking at the thumbnail in LR or on this forum.  When I look at it at that size, I sometimes see the big picture (ironically).

Here is the b/w version.  Let me know if you think it's a much better image.  I am trying to keep my hand in color a little, but I'm much more drawn to b/w lately. 

This was converted entirely in LR.  I could go to SilverEfex to get the sky darker, but for me, that would compete too much with the shadows in the dunes rather than complement them.  I am, of course, always game to try it if folks are curious.

Nice perspective here. I also would consider a de-saturation here.
Great lines and textures.
Sandy

I think I would go for the darker sky, and bring the clouds up to an almost infrared level.  The Lightroom conversion is too middle grey toned to pull off the necessary contrast. I would definitely use a red filter and darken the sky a lot. The sky would not only compliment the shadows in the fore but to me, complete the image.  My two cents worth anyway.

Very nice, Marylynne. Both versions. I do think Gary's suggestions are good ones. If you can darken the sky and bring out the clouds, then mono may be the way to go. Even in the color version I would try to darken the sky a bit.

Another nice one and count me in on the B&W with Gary's suggestions. 

Thanks everyone.  After playing around in Silver Efex, I am convinced you're all right, but not convinced I've nailed it yet.  Here is my first attempt in Silver Efex, but I think there is probably at least one more edit coming.  If you have time to weigh in on this version, I would greatly appreciate it.

With my (woefully inadequate) screen, there appears to be some haloing just above the dune to the right. Let me know if you see that too.  New computer comes next week, so I'm making do for now.
 

Clouds look perfect now. But the sky is too dark in some parts now. I would go for a sky of the tonal value that matches the lower sky. The image doesn't have to scream to be good. Also, I would clone out the few small clouds on the left horizon. 

Here is another b/w version with less darkening of the upper sky and with the clouds along the horizon removed.  I can revert easily if anyone thinks I went too far, so let me know either way.
ML

Terribly difficult to decide which is better !   I think you've done a great job with each - the delicacy of the sky in the b&w looks perfect to me, but then I also like the tones of the colour version.  Either way, a beautifully composed image !!