...The way...

Thanks for your visit & comments, best view larger.

This is very nice. There's a lovely range of tones here, good detail, and a nice composition. Paths are always evocative, strong elements. I like the weight of the logs balancing the leafy lightness upper left, and the hints of bright light "up ahead"

I am not sure the out of focus leaves in the foreground work, although I do *exactly* the same thing from time to time. I find that it does draw the viewer into the frame, it makes the scene much more immediate. On the other hand, they're distracting, and everyone except me dislikes them ;) If you don't feel it necessary to make the viewer feel personally involved, I say leave 'em out.

The other point is the finely detailing highlights in the distance, and in the foliage above and a little left of the path feel a bit TOO punchy to me, as if the "sharpen" control had been applied a little too harshly. Either that, or possibly they're just slightly blown out, in which case I think I would prefer to push the shadows down more (they can take it, really!) and keep the highlights.

This is a beautiful bw composition with admirable tonal quality. Different shades of gray have definitely enhanced the beauty of the image. You’re really successful in creating the atmosphere with lights and shades.

There is a common concept that an out-of-focus background enriches the strength of the main object and an out-of-focus foreground plays a distracting role. But in this thoughtfully composed photograph, as the out-of-focus leaves are on the top right corner of the foreground, they are not working as distracter.  They are helping to show the naturalness of the composition. They are strengthening the attention-value of the shot. They are increasing the eagerness of the viewer to explore the different elements of the composition and to be involved with their dynamic interactions.

The attractive distant highlight is the key note of this poetic composition. Yes it’s punchy and it’s the dramatic force which has made the image appealing.

An appreciable presentation. Regards.

Since I tend to look at images more emotively than technically... this is perfect.  You've captured the essence of the forest and the mystique of the hiking trail... the desire to see what's around the next bend is perfectly represented by the distant sun spot.  Thanks for sharing, it makes me want to be there.... Mike

Thank you : Andrew, Sumon, Mike for your visits & comments.  To: Sumon, Mike, I really appreciate your understanding what I want to be conveyed &  express for object.

Richard, 'The way' leads us to a mysterious world, created by your superb composition and tonal quality of the image.

A beautiful b/w-shot with very nice lighting, Richard!

Richard, I really like the play of diagonals between the logs and the line of the leaves on the left. They nicely frame and focus the pathway. The light in the background also works wonderfully. while the leaves in the upper right work fine for me, I can also see a crop just below them that would really accentuate the diagonals of the logs and leaves. The richness of the black and white is lovely. 

A very romantic place full of magic, the texture, light and shadows, perfect, love it!  Regards, amigo.

Great lighting and composition; however, agree with Sumon that the out of focus leaves at the top right are distracting.