Making the cut -reworked #3

I missed out on the Sand Dunes display last time, so this time I want to make sure that I have an opportunity to hang something. I managed to get 4 images that I like, however, I need to cut it down to 2 images for submission. With that, I humbly ask for you opinions on what doesn't cut it -- of course if they all suck please tell me that too!

#2

#3

#4

#1 gets my vote. I love the perspective and contrast from the edge of the dune and the hint of blowing sand at the top.

I'll also vote for #1.
#2 is a pretty commonplace view and #3 lacks enough contrast to succeed as b&w.
On the fence with #4.

Yeah, #1 is the most immediately striking to me. #4 has a lot of appealing aspects, but it feels like something's missing. #3 is a little different than most of what one sees from the Dunes; maybe with some different processing?

If I were entering this, I'd give you bad advice to make sure you lose , but since I'm not, I'll say 1 & 4.

#3 for one, flip a 3-sided coin for the other.

#1 and # 3.

On # 1, is it cheating to remove that distracting piece of grass (?) I like the blowing sand at the top of the frame!

Regarding # 3, I'd echo the above and give it a little boost in contrast. I think it would go from being a nice image to a killer shot.

I like #1 best. Very dimensional and gives great scale even though there is nothing smaller next to it. I'd certainly clone that piece of dry grass out though.

#3 and #1-but that's just me.

#! and #3 here.

#3.

M-

Voting for 1 and 3.

I'm very partial to #3. Really a lovely intimate image.

The composition in # 1 and the blowing sand and that contrasting blue sky make it my favorite. # 3 is my next choice, b/c I like all the different layers.

I like 1 and 4.

Ok...I say#1 and #4 is the most different and interesting with the snow/ice in it. If you read the entry guidelines they are looking for interpretive photos, not the standard calendar shots.

#3 for sure. I'd add contrast, increase the black clipping and bring down the sky if possible. I think this image has enormous potential.

So do I.
The more I look at it, the more I like it. Implementing the aforementioned suggestions, I would choose that one for consideration.

And yes, I would definitely 'lose' the stick in #1. Best of luck!

It sounds like the consensus is that #1 is a keeper -- san the stick, of course. I re-worked #3 again, using the suggestions from above -- Scott, the sky is stuck as it is, it just so happens that there was a layer of boring white clouds above the dunes. What about this version?

Yep, it's 1 and 3 for me, too.

I'd have to say #2 does it for me, the snow contrasting with the dunes is great.