Thanks for your encouraging comments. I agree with you about the softness - I was in two minds as to whether I should submit this image. But I thought the softness fitted with the aged/faded look that reminds me of old photos in my Mums photo album (from 50's)
Welcome to the challenge petabix, I have not had the pleasure of your artistry before and thank you for joining in the fun.
I like this composition and your sepia processing which certainly addresses this topic admirably.
I must congratulate you on the stability of this image considering the slow shutter speed. I guess the IS was in play here but I do find as often is the case with our beloved DSLR's that the image is a little 'soft'.
May I suggest a little USM or 'smart sharpen' if you are fortunate enough to have PSCS2 or 3 on hand? Perhaps selectively just on the tree trunk?
Sometimes I find that sepia tonings also tend to give the appearance of softness which is sometimes not so much in b & W.
These comments are purely my personal preference and your preference as the artist, is the key determinant here, so feel free to ignore them.