Mono Lake Sunset - would appreciate suggestions

I got seduced by the sunset color at Mono Lake a few weeks ago and made this image. I'm bothered by the void at the bottom of the frame; it was a compromise to limit the scene to the most colorful part of the sky and reflection. I'd like suggestions on how I could have handled the scene differently for stronger results. I'll post the broader scene as well, so you can see what I had to work with.

Thanks in advance for your help,

Cindy

Here's the broader scene, so you can see what I had to work with.

Thanks,

Cindy

Hi Cindy,

I actually prefer the broader view - you've still got a nice view of the "ghost ship" in the broader scene with nice dusk colors. I think the issue I see with the tighter shot is the tufa on the left. One of those times when more should included, or none at all.

I know the difficulties of walking around the muck and tuffas there so I'm not sure if you could have found a different angle. From this angle, perhaps a vertical orientation with just a bit more of the left-hand tufa could have worked. And I'm assuming it was the pastels and distant tufa formation that was attracting you and it's the foreground elements you were having trouble with.

I do like that you've placed the far tufa in an open area in both shots. The second one is a much better composition and is a nice shot from the South Tufa.

Lon

Cindy, I agree with Lon. The second image has a fg that takes my eye through the scene, front to back. The open space in the 1st image causes my eye to go directly to the "ghost ship," and nothing else holds my interest.

I like #2 best also. great job framing the background. the 2nd shot has more depth. i'd boost the contrast a bit.

I also prefer number 2. Nice detailed foreground leading into a nicely framed formation out in the water. Mono Lake is a fun place and you can shoot with 100 of your new best friends. :)

I like Richard's suggestion of a contrast boost and on my screen, it looks like both could use some sharpening.

not to jump on the bandwagon, but I too enjoy the wider view more than the tighter crop.

Thanks very much for the excellent input. I've been exploring these implementations in Photoshop and realize that the even with alterations, the tighter shot just doesn't hold visual interest well, as articulated. It really needs a foreground! I think a vertical does indeed work also, as suggested. (I'm posting two what-if's.... please forgive the odd photomerge) Guess it's also time to recal my monitor!

Thank You....You just did what I was about to verbalize..
I prefer the Vertical that has the foreground yet
also includes the sunset colors and reflections
that you wanted.....You got it baby!!
It also helps emphasize the "frame in a frame" technique.

Kudos,
Nelcha