I started from scratch with the black and whites of white sands, used more Nik software rather than lightroom for the noise. Critique would be appreciated.
I love the composition and capture! Great detail in the sand. I think I would lighten the sky up a notch as my first impression was that the image was "top heavy".
I'd have to respectfully disagree with the lighten up the sky - it really adds to the mood of the shot. If I were to do anything differently to this shot, I'd probably add a LITTLE bit of structure to the sand - perhaps 7-9% or so.
It would bring out just a little more of the sand "waves" detail.
I really like this shot. If it were mine, i would be tempted to bring out a bit more detail in the sand and crop part of the sky, making it a Panoramic. Just my thoughts.