Great Sand Dunes NP

I went down to the Sand Dunes last week because I was in the area for a photoshoot with some family friends. I practically had the dunes to myself, a few people were meandering around Medano Creek (which is about 50ft. wide and a couple inches deep). It was chilly, but reasonable for this time of year.

The lighting ended up being great and not so great at the same time. Photography was fun though, and walking around the dunes is always a good time. Here's a few pics from the trip. I was out there for all of an hour or so. The wind picked up when I was on my way back to my truck, and it was odd because it was coming out of the north. Growing up in the San Luis Valley, I'm so used to a wind from the southwest that it struck me as odd.

#2

#3

Glad you got out there, Ryan! North winds are fairly common especially towards evening or after a cold front, but yeah, s-sw is the norm. #1 is the classic view but i never grow tired of it, you just cant beat the light and view. #2 is pretty, but the flare is a bit distracting, i would recommend shooting an exposure with the sun blocked out, then combine with a faster exposure with the sun.
#3 is interesting--might make a nice B&W conversion.

Thanks Stan! #2 was a result of my vain attempt to hustle back to my truck so I could get a wider view of the dunes. The flare is definitely distracting and I plan on cloning it out. I'm really liking #3, it was one of those scenes that you stumble upon while on your way to your "destination", and ends up making the whole trip worthwhile. I've tried a B&W conversion, I haven't been too pleased with the results so far. I'm going to keep trying, those lines are begging for more contrast. Cheers!

The first shot, which is a classic comp like Stan said, is still visually as appealing as ever with great side light.

I like that classic view of #1 as well. That's some pretty sweet light. I also like the soft layering of #2 and your camera did a pretty nice job of capturing dynamic range in the dunes too.

Yeah, the first one is real fine.
#2 might have worked better had you waited for the sun to set just a bit more. As it is, the bright lights grab all of my attention.
I think that #3 was a real nice find, too. For some reason, I like the composition more with an inch or so cropped from the bottom.

I have to agree with Stan about converting #3 to B&W, it was actually my first thought and also my favorite of the group. I think John's suggestion of removing an inch or so from the bottom is right on the money as well.

The first is the strongest and best to me. That the rear mountains are shaded really make the dunes stand out.