This would be so much better if you cropped it a lot closer to the gate.

Thanks for the suggestion friiskiwi!

This looks so much better, well done.

also maybe mess with the saturation and curves a bit?

Thanks k5683 - getting a bit technical for me.
NB The picture hasn't been altered in any way (apart from bit of cropping). This is how it turned out. The snow has seemingly drained all colour except from the gate and man/umbrella. I liked the effect so have left it as is.

beautiful shot author...good luck

Lovely

Nice

i love the shot. i just wish there was a little more contrast. but thats just a personal thing. its lovely the way it is too.

Soooo beautiful

Just awesome!

Very nice job here

Bliss!

Agrees with merrowheather. Also, grayscale might have been a better choice.

me to i Agrees with merrowheather and jawshoewhah but only for more contrast.very nice place,

great shot

stunning!!

Wow! Thanks for the votes - it's really encouraging. I sometimes feel quite out of my league here.

Congrats on 3rd place, it's a beautiful photo.