Snowy tree

[cp1005]

http://www.whatbird.com/forums/photos/clutchperformers_birds/images/141119/original.aspx

canon rebel xti/ f/9, 1/2000, 1600ISO, Aperture priority, 100 mm, lens: 100-400mm

[trevorus]

Powerlines, always a distraction. The background makes the tree nearly indistinguishable.

Maybe a different angle, wider aperture to blur the background a bit, drop your ISO to keep down the noise, and you can slow the shutter quite a bit, as well.

[sapearl]

Hi CP and welcome to POTN.

As Trevorus mentioned, wires can really cut into a shot. The other issue here is that there is so much detail, the eye does not know where to look for the main point of interest. You need to remove the distraction by isolating some more interesting elements. Perhaps focus in on a single branch with some interesting textured bark, contrasting against the snow and ice.

Don't give up though - the more you experiment, the closer you'll get. - Stu :D

[rw2]

Also watch for trees that are not close to a plowed road. Nice fresh snow with no tracts makes for a better picture.

[cp1005]

Thank you for the feedback!