Christmas Eve Magic.

So, i was all packed and ready to travel when i get hit with a bug that puts me in bed shivering for 3 days. Monday morn, and my fever is gone, so im itching to get out in the cold fresh air. Figuring ya cant beat the combo of snow, sand, and sunset, i head for the Dunes. I knew the storm coming in would bring me a good shot at sunset. 15 minutes to go, and it's looking bleak with nothing but contrails. Then, that CO magic kicks in and clouds start streaming over Mt Herard. I quickly fire off about 20 shots. One comes out real well, probably one of my best shots this past year--ill save that for ESS later this week. Another 3 i cant chose between--can you help me pick the 'best of the rest'? All C&C is welcome.

#2, the longer view.

and, #3. More sand dunes shots on ESS!

Glad you're feeling better, Stan. I'm just getting started with my bug now. Ugh.
Tough call here. I love that cloud and it's stronger in 1 and 3, but the foreground is stronger in 2. One thing I like about 1 and 2 is that the shadow of the peaks appears in the clouds. (At least I think that's what it is). If these were mine, I think I'd have to sleep on it for a few days. No matter which you pick, nice stuff!

Very nice stuff Stan. I like these alot and will look for the rest on ESS.

I think I caught your bug over here cause I feel like I am coughing up a lung!

RichieV

I like 3 the best. I can see enough details in the FG to make it interesting. Same for the mountain. Great shots BTW.

I'm in the same boat. Caught a cold Christmas Eve.

The first and third are best in my opinion with my personal preference going towards the first because the scene is slightly warmer and there is better separation between the shadowed cloud on the peak and lit upper cloud. The second minimizes what I feel is the best feature, the fluorescent cloud capped mountain. It is shot too wide.

They're close enough to be nearly indistinguishable from one another. If forced to chose, I'd go with #1, but I'd also get rid of the contrail above and right of Herard.

Merry Christmas there Stan! These are very nice- I have to say number one is my fave out of the selection. The clouds play a more prominent role there and left me with a stronger impression.

Hey Stan! I like #3 the best. I'm very much a portrait orientation kinda guy, and I like the tighter crop on the cloud and peak. Glad you're feeling better.

I agree, #3 is the better one of a nice series

Thanks for the input! When i look at the full scale images, the mud in the front is pretty nasty, fortunately i took a few landscape shots that eliminate that problem.
Todd; that actually isnt a contrail, just a cloud filament. there were numerous trails to the south, but fortuantely not over Herard.