@kadenajack - i know what you mean about the space above the tree and i was thinking about it when i framed the shot, but i couldn't think of an improvement short of cropping everything square in photoshop which to be honest felt stranger.

thanks for the comments and the feature everyone!

I have to admit I love the space above the tree here. There's something about it that adds to the mystery/ethereality of this lonely tree. I think it works because it's unsettling.

I don't think it would be so successful if it wasn't for the vignette at the top holding the eye in though.

All in all, I find the space above the tree to be pleasing and think it contributes to the success of the image. I'm sympathetic to kadenajacks's view and would suggest continuing to play with the crop. Personally, I would try making it a little narrower and cropping a bit closer to the bottom of the tree. Who knows? Good work!

On an image like this, I love going back and seeing what the photographer's comments were to the commenters. I think this was a nice exchange and I definitely can see this picture with fresh eyes after considering what the rest of you said about it. I'm also heartened to learn that Joseph was struggling with the same issue I found troubling. Looks like there may be several right solutions though based on what everyone else has said.

This is a good example of the kind of learning experience I hope to get out of Weekly Shot.

yeah i agree. this is encouraging - i've never felt i had the time before to get too involved with the community here but following up how constructive this has been i'll try and get more involved in the future. thanks for all the comments - it's all part of a learning curve for me.