B&W Tree in Field

[JSWeathers]

Hey everyone. He's a shot I took last year at the Chickamauga Battle Field in TN. I'd appreciate any comments/critiques.

Camera:	Canon EOS 30D
Exposure:	0.003 sec (1/320)
Aperture:	f/4.0
Focal Length:	44 mm
ISO Speed:	200

[MSidPhoto]

Amazing shot, awesome work !!!!

[windrider86]

without a specific question and knowing what you really want help with, I will take a stab at it. Now, this is just my opinion.
Looking at this, the first thing that come to mind is the ultra black tree does not go with all the other trees. Dont get me wrong because I really like the tree and the contrast against the bright sky. What I think it needs is a portrait crop to get rid of the other trees. This will bring all the attention back to the main tree and therefore give your image more impact.
The dark spot in the foreground could go either way. I would suggest trying to clone it out and see what you think of the photo without it.

[JSWeathers]

Thanks for the comments!

[tvoelcker]

Here are my thoughts.
With the tree so close in the foreground it makes it the rather dominant subject and therefore that is the first place the eyes go.
Problem is I just don't find it to be a extrememly interesting subject.
However, perhaps if you shot this from a distance with the tree being more in the background thus letting the viewers eyes wonder thru the field and then up to the tree it might fair better.
A bit crious as to why to chose f4 ?
That is a rather narrow depth of field for a landscape shot.