Bob Yankle Loc: Burlington, NC

...... but with many side-issues.

Not quite a silhouette, but it has that vibe.

(Download)

ebrunner Loc: New Jersey Shore

I really like the texture in the background. You also included shading in the background that adds dimension. Your main subject, it would seem to me, is the thin delicate plant in the center. As such I find the out of focus foliage to be a distraction to the main theme. In your text you mention "side-issues". I'm guessing that you are referencing those out of focus plants in the background. I would suggest that your composition is a valid and attractive way of presenting your subject that includes other elements to give the composition complexity. As an alternative that would be different; but not saying it would be better, you could crop from the bottom so that about two thirds of your main subject remains. Then, by judiciously cloning, you could clean up the out of focus elements that would give, to my eye, a very clean and delicate composition.

I would like to add, though, that your intent as the photographer is not lost on me. You had your reasons for presenting the photo the way you did and I can respect that. So we have a composition that emphasizes the fragile nature of your main subject while including a context that includes more robust foliage to suggest that nature is multi faceted.

I do like your photo very much and it is in keeping with most of what you post. It is thought provoking and beautifully presented. Well done.
Erich

rafikiphoto Loc: Spain

I'd crop the bottom 15-20% and pull the LH side in a fraction and the remaining OOF stuff is OK then IMHO. I like the textured background. Is that a PP filter?

Bob Yankle Loc: Burlington, NC

Tighter crop highlights the central spire.

(Download)

ebrunner Loc: New Jersey Shore

I think this is much better. Cool.
Erich

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

Oriental simplicity.

Jim Plogger Loc: East Tennessee

Bob, I really like this a lot. The texture is perfect for the subject.