Spider's web - need some opinions

This photo scored OK at a competition with my camera club. The biggest criticism was the lens flare. Some judges thought it should have been cropped or cloned out. Others thought the lens flare highlighted the strength of the sun and complemented the glow in the spider's web.

I am interested in any comments or criticims about this image. Thank you in advance.

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Spider webs are a tough subject. This shot is pretty good.

White balance seems a little yellow, probably due to the low angle of the sun. Also, you may have blown highlights in the web strands. They're so thin, it's hard to tell.

From a composition perspective, you could crop it more tightly. However, as it is, it gives a better sense of place. However, I think you could lose the sky, one way or the other.

I played with the image a little. Still, I'm not sure the tighter crop is a good idea. Six of one, half dozen of the other.

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+1
Your critics in the camera club were being kind. There is little excuse for shooting into the sun and suffering all that glare.

I think you did a really good job with this. I like how the upper portion of the photo is golden sky, which fades into something darker, and which then contrasts with the golden web. I do dislike the lens flare a bit and the image seems a little flat, but overall well done.

I've found that substantial dew and very early morning light are the best for spider webs.

Here's an example if you're interested.

And another

I dont mind your version as it is, even the yellow glow, as it adds warmth the the morning light.

Thanks eveyone for taking the time to comment. It helps to get different opinions.

Robert_Lay wrote in post #8977138
+1
Your critics in the camera club were being kind. There is little excuse for shooting into the sun and suffering all that glare.

I think in this case the glare adds the sense of morning to the picture. I rather like it.

It sort of works for me, but I'd rather see it exaggerated so it doesn't look like a mistake. A slight change of angle, maybe from lower shooting up more, might have looked better.
In these situations, don't just take just the first shot you see. Don't take just 10. Shoot 100 & let your eye guide you to the winning image.
More important, is why doesn't it look sharp?

If one wants to shoot back lit objects they have to face the source at some angle. My only comment on the provided crop is that a subject with a center circle most often wants to be dead center in the frame.

PhotosGuy wrote in post #9018524
It sort of works for me, but I'd rather see it exaggerated so it doesn't look like a mistake. A slight change of angle, maybe from lower shooting up more, might have looked better.
In these situations, don't just take just the first shot you see. Don't take just 10. Shoot 100 & let your eye guide you to the winning image.
More important, is why doesn't it look sharp?

Thanks for the suggestions. Regarding its sharpness, I think I lost some detail and resolution when I reduced the size to post it. The original looks sharper.

I like the way you shot the web into the sun.

I tried a series of into the sun photos, some OK, some just dreadful with flare ruining (totaly dominating) the shots. I guess some photos just can't be taken (is this true?). I am often amazed how much better the human eye is than all this technology, though, conversely, it can be better!

i like the original better, love the flare

Usually, the better the lens & the cleaner it is, the less flare you will get. Take any filters off, & use the DOF preview button to have an idea of what you're going to get.