Thanks... I was leaning toward #2... just because there are more aspens visible, and l like the way the path leads to the center. There wasn't anywhere I could stand that would get rid of the one bush in the way...
I liked #2 best. I thought the sky seen through the tops of the trees added something interesting to the photo or balanced it out a bit. Do like the unobstructed view of the steps in the first one though.
I liked #2 best. #1 had too much of the stone path. #2 put the stone path in context. the bush in the lower right hand corner of #3 is a bit distracting. Definitely #2.
I like the first one best. The main focus I think should be the stone steps. A close up shot with a wide angle lens might turn out really good. Don’t get me wrong though, these look great.
First for me. This is an area I struggle with, too. I imagine you still don't think the photo does justice to what the scene did for your eyes? I come away with that feeling far too often.