Cottonwood at Dugout Wells

This is done real well.

I took this photo in the spring of 2000. A recent trip to Big Bend

National Park revealed massive damage to this magnificent tree,

perhaps by lightning. The branch on the left side of this photo was

severed, and is on the ground. I will always remember it the way it

looked here.

That's a tough shot. Good exposure balance, considering the bright backlighting. Looks like a polarizer helped? I wonder if a little fill flash would have brought out the line and texture in the tree truck a little more.

Agree that this is a difficult one given the lighting contrast. But it's compelling viewing! Good strong composition, great sky, and the colour blend is perfect to me. Some good bole detail too. Congratulations.