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Elegance in charred wood. Few find this treasure.

Nice indeed. Although, I do wonder about the warmth of the highlights – they conflict with the sentiments about such

 

Have you seen some of Brooks Jensen's images in his most recent portfolio (Silva Lacrimosa: http://www.brooksjensenarts.com/silva_lacrimosa/Silva%20Lacrimosa%20by%20Brooks%20Jensen.pdf)? His study is of an entirely different character in its presentation than this, but, the similarity in subject brought it to mind.

You're probably right about the split tone, it easily gets in the way of the subject matter. I am a little wary of toning, in fact, but I usually apply some to the web versions as I find it gives them a little more life. I am not familiar with B Jensen's work; thanks for the link, looks interesting.

I know what you mean about applying a split tone. It does indeed help give a bit of life – sort of like increasing the contrast without actually doing so.

 

Brooks is also the editor of Lenswork Magazine. If you aren't familiar with the publication, you should check it out. Unfortunately it is only available directly these days (he decided that the environmental waste of newsstand display wasn't worth the returns). Excellent, absolutely excellent, print quality of some fairly well selected and presented BW portfolios. One of the only photographic publications that I can wholeheartedly recommend.