Thanks for the comments everyone!
#2 is also my favorite. I was panning the pano for #1 and,, on the corner of my eye, saw the scene for #2 and had to stop taking #1 immediately. I suppose #1 is still somewhat "salvaged." These scenes were all gone within 5 minutes and I took photos in an absolute frenzy.
I hiked that this summer along with Half Dome (in the day). Before I die I WILL go back with pro gear and spent a month meandering the back-country, taking my time to get photos like these. Superb!
A little note-if you have ever been to Yosemite you know what it takes to get to a location like this, even without camera equipment. It also takes some balls to hike off Coulds Rest in the dark. I met a rattlesnake on one side, and a 5000' drop on the other.
Thank you for your comments.
My previous version of #1 had the background slightly lighter (and hence more visible) but I did not like it gave it a sort of HDR/overcooked look. Now, on my monitor, at least, the background is dark but details are still visible. And the overall image becomes more dramatic imo. But, I have struggled to find a good balance in #1 for sure indeed.
