Sharp, I like the muted tones and how you were able to hold the detail on the shaded sides.
I'm uncomfortable with the aspect, don't know why. I think I'd try it with about 1/2 inch (about where the first new dark band starts on the trunk) cropped off the bottom. And have a look to see the result of cloning out the intruding branches in TLHC - don't know that they actually add to the image.
It is an interesting tree. The exposure and bokeh is good. It needs some more drama (negative space or closer or something) I think a different angle might work. I would try shifting left so that the tree is quite close to the right and there is more branch to the right and go landscape (with less on the top) to see if it might improve. Scott
IMO, the branches have potential, but the lighting situation is poor.
1 - Too much bright background snow.
2 - Try again later in the day, with softer light.
3 - You might reposition camera to create more a more side-lit subject.
The foreground itself is pretty good. The branches at upper left are the only obvious 'issue' that should have been addressed when shooting. After-the-fact photoshopping really isn't the solution.
