The Rubbing Tree

I like that you used the overhanging branch to try and frame the elk. I would like to see a bit more separation of the elk from the branch however, it's touching - and we can't have anything touching! A slightly lower angle, if possible, might have resolved that issue and made the viewer feel he was more a part of the experience. Impressive rack on this big guy!

I echo Gary's comments on this one

Thanks for the comments. I used the clone tool and removed the branch. You are right, it is a cleaner picture.

Jack, I like how you used the tree trunk and overhead branch to frame the animal and the fact that it is looking to the right helps the composition. I do feel that a lower angle and better light would make the overall image more interesting though.
Regarding the cloning; yes it makes a cleaner image; personally I would not have gone to this extend of cloning (anymore), but that is entirely a matter of what type of image manipulation one finds acceptable.

Hi Jack,

Definitely an impressive specimen. The other guys have made some good points already and I think the re-post is an improvement. Regarding the cloning: you'll find a range of opinions on how much image "manipulation" is acceptable - some photographers think of their work simply as "art" and thus feel that anything goes (and is acceptable), while others feel photography should have more realism (and less manipulation) associated it with than other art forms. Ultimately it's up to you to decide where you stand on this issue (and where to draw the line, and what to disclose about your images).

Cheers...thanks for sharing this...

Brad