pic of backlit fall colors. Ideas for improvement?

[JHunt012]

I just found this forum, and am really excited. I am just getting into photography and have found it a very valuable resource. This is my first critique post. Took this yesterday. I like the picture, but to me, it just doesn't do the scene justice. It was beautiful! I feel it is a little underexposed, however I don't want the highlights to be too bright. I have not done any post processing on the picture (I'm new to all of that as well), I figured I would consider your recommendations first. Thanks so much for your time.

From McFarlane Nature Park

Nikon d40
35mm
Shutter: 1/200
Aperture: f/7.1
ISO: 200
taken in P mode

[subrataofkris]

Welcome to DPS JHunt012. If you need brighter colors, you have to underexpose it further by using -ve exposure compensation. If you increase your exposure, the color of the tree will be washed out. If you can eliminate the fence at the bottom, the shot will improve in composition.

[Joyce Matthews]

Welcome. This is a nice photo, but the sun spot is distracting. I think it would work better if the sun was a little more hidden by the branches.