thanks all for the helpfull comments, my only reason for entering the imagine was to get feedback from people much better then myself and learn something. I guess I left the branches partly because I wasnt as confident in cloning! and partly because I thought it just makes it a bit more real. its something I will be looking at next time though. With regards to the tone, Ive had very mixed opinions, some like it alot, some dont at all so still unsure there, my own opinion changes with my mood!
I think this is one of those instances where you could have cloned out the tree branches. not sure -- check with the SC, but they're incidentals and it wouldn't change the description of the picture.
Wonderful shot, intriguing and beautiful, but the branches are distracting
ok, this is technical..but I would have cloned out the little twigs in the top of this picture. For me you have a wonderful capture but it is dull in tone...when you convert to B&W if you push your Hue & Saturation more it will help to richen up your tones alot. I just happen to love the very richly toned pictures.
Love the gritty colors and processing. I'm ambivalent about the inclusion of the branches at the top... do they distract or add to the sense of depth? I can't make up my mind.