Mark, This is a very refreshing image. Like the first one best. It has beautiful subtle tones and i’m sure it will make a wonderful print. What i like most are how the moody clouds mirror the sands in shape with the windswept grasses bringing the eye across the scene. Super image.
the square one is excellent, I’m a sucker for squares.
personally i’d bump the contrast +15 or even +18 and darken those clouds and make it look more sinister
The second format works well with the square frame of the lifesaver.
I am not sure with the tones. The suggestion of Fintan to increase the contarst works well.
Try it.