Nothing here to criticize. Two fine images that are worth looking at more than once.
Scott I'm not sure these foreground subjects really "carry the weight"...close but there is a lot of meandering and lack of graphic clarity. Maybe time of day and processing affecting this too. What is really interesting potentially is the far background landscape - color, shapes, peak, mountains(?) etc. - especially in the second
Focus stack, don't crop the top, stitch them, and then stretch the hell out of them. Alternatively use a T/S lens. Although I have no experience with them, this is pretty much what I understand they are built for in a way? I'd really love one...