wondering about a few changes

[JustJess]

369417

I first would like to know what others think of this photo. I'm wondering if I upped the contrast a bit too much. Also was wondering if I should have stepped back more and had the whole tree in the shot with a small amount of empty space to the right of it (when I originally composed the shot this is how I wanted it but now am not sure). I also cannot figure out how to get the darkness out of the left upper corner.
Taken with Canon Rebel Xsi.

[korrektor]

I think you are seeing the "mistakes" yourself.
IMHO - Next time try to up the contrast in selective areas. No with brightness and contrast tool. I would use burn tool (just my way though) or select the area put a nice amount of "feather" in options selection. Also it's over-saturated.
and yes, I don't feel the crop too much. Why half a tree? To make it "peek out"? ;)
step back, relax, compose, take multiple shots... select the ones you like :) post!