HDR is an art that is hard to get right, it is difficult to not get an artificial look.
Here is a link to a tutorial from a photographer, who in my opinion has perfected this art.
http://www.stuckincustoms.com/hdr-tutorial/

Of course I believe you.

I do not have another files from this place right now, but Monday surely I post another photos where all can see that the light from this place is realy on this way...ask all to wait for votes...

At SBS all can see more photos from the same place where the light is incredible. I confirm that no HDR was used. The only modification was a little bit of contrast due to the mentioned light. Now, all can choose, believe or not!

I don't know why you keep defending this photo. HDR is not against the rules, The reason I thought you had used HDR was because of 'white ghosts' around the branches and the heavily pixalate sky.
I'm sure the light is amazing where you took this photo, just trying to point out that you did something in the processing that did not improve the quality of the photo.
Good luck

Love the composition, and the complimentary colors!

Very beautiful! Smooth glassy water and the rough texture of the tree...wow!

A very interesting tree and composition, only, for me (just for me) the sky is a little bit overexposed... GL

funny fat tree

Excellent find, and angle....but the light source seem a little too bright, throwing off the contrast a bit.

I feel this has been over processed.