I think this works very well, and conveys the mood you were after, Emil. Scenes like this seem to be so busy, that the work of the photographer in making a pleasing scene like this go under-appreciated. The added contrast is just right.

A couple of minor points: The tree trunk on the left edge seems to straddle the edge, and I might have cropped it out. And the foreground leaves are very nice and add some mood to the image. I see you have lots of foreground in the original, so I might have left just a little bit more.   Posted: 01/03/2021 15:50:08

A moody forest scene that you've given us to enjoy, Emil. Its not always easy to separate the cluster of trees, but you've done so admirably. Post processing, spot on.
Like Jack, I too wish you'd included more of the foreground!   Posted: 01/03/2021 22:08:05

Hi Emil,

Wow...you sure captured that mood you were striving for! The range of tones here create what you wanted. My only critique is that I would split the difference in the crop with what you gave us and what the original captured...it's a bit too tight at the bottom for my liking.   Posted: 01/04/2021 08:32:35

Jack, Palli, and Gary

Thanks for the feedback. Adjusting the crop is done

Sometimes when you are emotionally attached to your work, you achieve your vision.

Here is to a better 2021

Emil   Posted: 01/04/2021 09:28:07

Emil, An interesting grouping with lots of "mood". Trees are such good subject matter. I like your gentle conversion. There are great light and dark tones. I am with others that suggest more base, but as always artist's choice wins. Nit picking-clean up the small twig on the right side.   Posted: 01/09/2021 10:54:29

You have a connection, a nearly spiritual relationship, with trees. This image reveals that connectedness. I like the angle of this image and the way you used the sky to silhouette the trees. I'd like to see a bit more of this by bringing out the background highlights, which, by the way, the original image does nicely.   Posted: 01/10/2021 22:30:13