eastern sierra Tree Spirit - Bristlecone Pine

This is a tree detail shot a few minutes after sunrise. The deep

blue is from the 11,000 foot elevation of the ancient bristlecone

pine forest. No polarizer was used. This treee is typical, mostly a

dead sculptural form, but parts are still living. In the full scan one

can clearly see the small pine cones amidst the foliage. Some of

the trees nearby have been dated at up to 4600 years old.

Looks like you may have overdone it a little with the USM. There are halos around objects. Nice composition though. I like the low (afternoon?) light contrasting with the deep blue sky (Polarizing filter?).

Beautiful!!!!!!