About the Image(s)

Subject: Trees and branches emerging from the morning fog in the Smoky Mountains
I was drawn to the way the fog created layers of visibility through the trees, from the sharply defined branches in the foreground to the softer, almost indistinguishable trees in the background. I particularly liked the twisting branch reaching into the scene and the contrast between the dark canopy and the soft light filtering through the mist.
I composed this in camera for black and white because I thought it would be a good way to emphasize the different layers of texture and tone, without the distraction of color.
How I Did It:
I composed this to emphasize the framing branches and the layers of trees disappearing into the fog. In post, I did a very light crop to enhance that framing just a little bit more. In ACR, I also made adjustments to the highlights, shadows, and contrast to establish the overall tonal balance. In PS, I then used selective dodging and burning to add nuance and separation between the layers, lifting the shadows in the center to reveal more of the trees without losing the softness of the fog. Because I had photographed at a fairly high ISO, I also applied noise reduction to reduce the grain.
My goal throughout was to maintain the natural atmosphere while using tonal differences to create a stronger sense of depth.
Looking for Feedback:
I'd particularly appreciate your thoughts overall, and especially regarding the composition and tonal balance