Great Sand Dunes

Seems like it has been months since I've been on the forum. After months of working 12-14 hour days I finally was able to get out last weekend for some shooting. On Saturday my brother and I hiked up to High Dune for sunset. As we left the parking lot the winds started kicking up and were howling by the time we got to the top. This first shot is a closeup of some interesting ripples. The hazy diagonal lines in the image are sheets of sand blowing up the face of the dune. Any critiques or comments would be greatly appreciated.

#2

#3

#4

All of these are gorgeous but I really like #1 and #2, Scott. The second one may as well be the freakin' Sahara. I don't think many people would guess "Colorado" if asked where the image was made. Really nice collection. I've got to get back over there some time.

I really like the dreamy feel of #1. Great abstract.

#2 makes that sand pile look MUCH larger than it really is.

You need to get out more often.

Another vote for 1 and 2...I like the diagonals of the wind blowing the sand. Nice job!

I like them all Scott!

I like them all, too, but that 4th one is my favorite.

I'm with Todd on this one. That fourth one really makes me scratch my head as I can't figure out what I'm looking at. For this reason and the amazing lines, I really love it!

Thanks everybody for your comments.

Erik, this was taken from the top of a high, steeply sloped dune, looking straight down the face of the dune. It was smooth sand all the way down to the saddle of the next dune going up which has all the ripples.

These are all worth your efforts, for sure! I would be hard pressed to get out of bed after months of working 12-14 hour days, so my hats off to ya.
#'s 2, 4 and the one you had at ES&S are excellent.

#2 is awesome, Scott. They are all good but that one blows me away.

All are sweet, but 1 and 2 do it for me. In 1 the blowing sand gives the image added punch , and I love the feeling of eternal dunes in the second.

Love that last one! Can't wait to get back there myself

Really like the simplicity in the first image!

#4 is great with the contrasting texture!

An excellent set of images. I really like #4. Crazy cool!

Nice series, Scott. I'm partial to 1 and 4. There's something about abstracts that always holds my attention, and these both do that.

Love the soft, glancing light on #1 which is my favorite. If you hadn't said these were at Great Sand Dunes, I would have sworn this was White Sands NM.

I like them all Scott and very hard ot pick a favorite. I think 1 and 4 are at the top for me, but love the others also.

I really like #4 with the contrast between the upper and lower parts, and the detail and contrast in thetiny ripples.

Really like all of them, blowing sand, color, texture. Nice!

I think this is a really good set from the location but I really dig #4. I'm a big fan of simple, clean and abstract (although my own work typically doesn't reflect it.)

#1 an #4 are total classics, Scott! The contrast looks a bit off in #3, but theyre all real nice!

Superb light and texture in #1. I like the clouds in #3 but the image lacks leading lines or a point of interest to draw my eyes.