Robbie, some further thoughts...I think the light "as is" works the best in the last image...the first two makes for very high contrast...and to my eye a little too choppy and not necessarily in a good way. One could just bring the highlights down/blacks up to see what happens. That said, my hunch is, getting a little more leaf color change will most likely help with the overall concept/output...more deep oranges, reds, mixed with the evergreen/pines (whatever they are). I understand what you are after as well, I've shot these types of comps. in VT for years...and it's tricky at least for me at least to get the right mix/balance of shapes, color, light etc.. Good luck with it. /B