Grandfather Mountain, NC... C&C Please

[Frankie]

Here are three shots from Grandfather Mountain that I think may have some merit. I don't typically do a lot of landscape photos, so I'd like to hear your thoughts.
Thank you for viewing and sharing your comments/criticisms.
frankie

[Apo]

nice, but i like #3.

[Donald]

#3 certainly has nice lines - the tree line and the road.

But, in terms of scale and 'majesty', I like #1. When viewed at the larger size in the lightbox there is a very real sense of the open space. The composition, with the rock outcrop right foreground giving us space to look way down to the buildings and roadway at the bottom give a real sense of depth. And the fact that we have these reference points allows us to compute the scale of the whole thing.

#2 lacks those reference points (buildings, road) in the distance and, in my opinion, is a much lesser image because of it. Also, I think we're given too much rock outcrop foreground in #2.

Yep, I do like #1 a lot.

[jiro]

As for a more interesting shot due to its flowing lines and sloping elements, I'd go for #3. But for the sheer enormity of the scene, I'd go for #1 any time of the day. A very nice shot on #1, Frankie. Some extra contrast would make it stand out better, I think.

[Frankie]

nice, but i like #3.

Thank you Dante.

[Frankie]

#3 certainly has nice lines - the tree line and the road.

But, in terms of scale and 'majesty', I like #1. When viewed at the larger size in the lightbox there is a very real sense of the open space. The composition, with the rock outcrop right foreground giving us space to look way down to the buildings and roadway at the bottom give a real sense of depth. And the fact that we have these reference points allows us to compute the scale of the whole thing.

#2 lacks those reference points (buildings, road) in the distance and, in my opinion, is a much lesser image because of it. Also, I think we're given too much rock outcrop foreground in #2.

Yep, I do like #1 a lot.

Thank you Donald.
I'm happy to know that #3 works. I was drawn to that switchback and pleased the photo worked.
#2 - it's ironic you mention no reference points. There was this huge, God-awful building on the side of the mountain in the distance that I had to clone out because it broke the lines and is just ugly. However, I do not think think it is the kind of reference you are wanting . After looking at the photo, i understand the types of reference you want, and I agree with you, especially in reference to #1.
#1 - When I first looked at this photo, i got that vertigo feeling I get from heights , and I knew that there was something with the photo if it could give me that reaction.
Thank you for your comments and for helping me learn.
frankie

[Frankie]

As for a more interesting shot due to its flowing lines and sloping elements, I'd go for #3. But for the sheer enormity of the scene, I'd go for #1 any time of the day. A very nice shot on #1, Frankie. Some extra contrast would make it stand out better, I think.

Thank you Willie!
I will try some more contrast and see how it works. Thank you for taking the time and giving your opinion!
frankie

[Frankie]

I added a little more contrast and definition. Here is the result.

[jiro]

I added a little more contrast and definition. Here is the result.

I like your edit. For me the added contrast made the foreground more prominent. Nice work, Frankie.

[Frankie]

I like your edit. For me the added contrast made the foreground more prominent. Nice work, Frankie.

I completely agree with you Willie! Thank you for the suggestion!