If I may add: it's one of those shots where, strangely, even having a lot of information doesn't lead to overkill: it leads to added interest. As recently discussed here, that's not usually the case. ;-)
Agreed.
As for cropping in this case, I refer you to Amendment 9c of the Law Against Cropping:
"Exceptions: No shame shall be incurred if cropping is planned at the time of exposure and takes place under one of the following circumstances--
1. Equipment at hand is incapable of capturing the intended scene without cropping, or
2. Time or physical obstacles do not permit photographing from the ideal viewpoint, or
3. Other hazards (such as hungry bears or crocodiles, speeding Ferraris, raging torrents, cliffs, terrorists, etc.) make the desired viewpoint extremely dangerous;
recognizing that such conditions may lessen the quality of the resulting image. Nevertheless, there is no shame."
I hope this helps you feel better, Russ.
Fine photo. You haven't lost the touch.
-Eric
