Moonrise Over Mount Manitou

CAZ and I went down to the northern San Luis Valley last weekend to do some shooting and exploring... this capture was made from the top of Round Mountain Saturday evening. The wind was howling, but using ISO 320 I was able to get fast enough shutter speeds to counteract my tripod shaking. Canon 30D, 75-300 IS, single exposure, no filters.

Nice capture here!

Here is another shot that gives more context; which is better?

Canon 30D, 70-300 IS, single exposure, no filters.

And if you're ever in Salida at breakfast time, make sure to stop by the Patio Pancake Place!

And just one more, I promise

This enlargement shows the deer on the hill at the top right.

I like the first one better. I think that the moon and the sky is much nicer in that shot. I understand the need to add context, and I might normally agree, but in this instance that context does not add that much. Although the deer are very cool!

From an art standpoint I prefer the first image for its simplicity, but I also understand needing to put it in context.

I like the second shot because it seems more balanced - the moon and the right hand portion of the comp. They are both wonderful shots.

I know you've got more so keep 'em coming! I like the first one better than the second but they're both damn good!

I like the first one better as well.

Nat - I also like the simplicity of the first image.

Both are really nice - love those clouds! - but I prefer the simplicity and graphical nature of the first one. I think the graphical elements have strong abstract qualities, making the additional context unnecessary.

Thanks for the feedback guys!