Dune Grasses

... a hard drive find ... discovered during my ongoing major tune-up of my Lightroom collection.

Autumn grasses catch the fading sunlight ... from the Great Sand Dunes. Canon 20d + 17-40mm in 2005. Comments and critique welcome.

Looks great, Jesse! I think 2005 was my first trip to the Dunes... If i'm pressed for critique, i feel like the scene feels a bit "confined" to me--on account of the vertical format. I prefer a more open wide feel for this kind of scene, but really that is probably just me trying to impose my way of doing things on you. I like the slope and light here.

The slope actually troubles me. But that is all. The way the detail of the foreground grasses transitions to the more chaotic background works really well and the light is exquisite. Cool shot.

This is the kind of stuff I'm trying to train myself NOT to walk by unnoticed.

Personally, I think this is sweeter than sweet! My kind of image!

Very "Speeresque" and totally rockin'!

This is very nice-the front wiry grass adds to the depth.

The light and color palette are superb. Wonderful shot imo.

Jesse, this has your name all over it. I love it.

Great find! Your artistic sense really come through here. I like how the foreground grasses are so defined compared to the bkg clusters, like they're dancing in front of a crowd.

I love everything about this! The textures, the lighting, the composition, the color--all masterfully done. Absolutely beautiful!

Really like the way the light is hitting the grasses, especially with the dark background.

Jesse;

I love the simplicity of this image - sometimes the most unassuming features in nature are the most beautiful and intimate. You've done a great job here with the lighting, as mentioned by others. Furthermore, the composition is compelling; a leading line development with the foreground grasses taking your eye into the heart of the image being the condensed grasses. Additionally, a great usage of thirds.

The way the detail of the foreground grasses transitions to the more chaotic background works really well and the light is exquisite.

Exactly what I enjoy most here. Fine catch!

I like it for comp, style and light, but the striking thing for me is the juxtaposition of warm grass and cool background. Sweet!

Love the light and texture!

Thank you for the comments fellas! My original capture featured a really warm white balance, so I had overlooked this for years. Dropping the WB down significantly introduced a nice color contrast, and really brought it to life.