Comanche Point Sunrise

These are from a backpack I took a few weeks ago, looking west at sunrise from Comanche Point, a few miles east of Desert View Watchtower. I'm especially curious to know what folks think of the color balance in the first. I remember making a mental note while I was shooting to not be afraid to go magenta in processing, it was a very purple dawn. Compression is hurting the details a bit here, I'm afraid. I'm also curious as to preferences for or against the second image. Thanks for your comments, as always!

#2, at sunrise.

Like them both. That is a much different view than one normally sees from the canyon. Going to a remote point paid off.

What a great view of the river! I like both shots, but if I had to pick it would be the second just for the bit of light striking the North Rim. Do you have any with some of the East Rim forming a foreground?

I really like the complimentary sky in the first one, Jackson. That whole quiet light scene is gorgeous with loads of detail and nuance. The cool mauve tones are rocking my color meter!

The second photo is a winner in my book. The beautiful light hitting the rim is hard to beat. The first one had a beautiful subtle color, but I still prefer the second one. However, both are excellent photos! Well done sir!

Here you go, Adam. I did make a point of shooting that way, since we'd been at Cape Solitude the night before, even though the river curves to the west were more compositionally compelling. Cape Solitude is visible here, plus Chuar Butte and Carbon Creek at river level, and the Vermilion Cliffs in the distance.

Very nice! Two points that are on my list to conquer in the next few years. I may like the first one just a tad more, but think you could bring out more light and color. On the other hand, the color contrast between the river and sun kissed rim is quite spectacular as well.

Nice! I like the second one much better. The dawning of a new day, just one of millions that this canyon has seen.

I like both. In hte first, the river shows better as does th eearth shadow. In the second, the light on the rim takes the show. I like your vantage location that gives such a complete view of the river.

I like the second image -- because the contrasting light forces me to view the bottom darker area and its river detail separately. To me, the lighting of the first image is too even. Of course, both images are nice -- but different.