I shot this at Goose Lake Prairie State Park in Morris, IL. It was my last shot of the day as it was getting late and this is where I parked. Go figure!
Thank you rbergeman. I wasn't familiar with the clarence white photo you mentioned so i googled it. You're so right! It's as if I'm just outside the frame.
Jonathan. Thanks for posting your photo. Very nice. I believe what you have here is two photos in competition. The tree bark and the apples on the ground. Of the two, I think the apples on the ground may be more compelling, but you can certainly devote more than one shot to get both. Tree bark is always interesting as are most textured subjects in B&W. However, as I was not there to confront the shooting situation you had, I can only shoot from an unenlightened position. As suggested, getting a better perspective on the apples (which, being scattered on the ground, tells a story) would be a step in the right direction. Keep shooting. I can see I will enjoy your work.