Avalanche Creek Falls - Suggestions for Improvement?

I took this shot in August on a trip to Glacier NP. It is one of my favorites from the trip. However, I'd like to get some feedback - how could this be improved? It'll probably be years before I get back there, but the feedback is always helpful.

Beautiful shot, I love the blur and color of the water. The photo draws my eye up the canyon. The only little thing I see...the greenery at the top of the image bothers me a little. Not sure if maybe you could re-crop or re-frame (next time) to exclude the branch. What were your camera settings, and lens?

Thanks, Jeff. Camera settings:
Canon Digital Rebel, 17-85 IS at 53mm, f/20, 5 sec, ISO 100, -1/3 EV

I have seen this image once before but I cant remember who...some well known person though. I think you have really captured this beautifully. I love the color of the water...same as in the other photo I saw. I love the blur and the composition. I wouldn't change a thing. I have the same lens on a 40d and I don't think I could attain the level of sharpness you have here...nice job!!!

Jack

Jamie, I'd remove the dead tree hanging down at the top of the frame, its distracting. I love the little pothole on the right, do you have a similar frame with more of it in shot? Otherwise its a beautiful photo.

I agree about the log being a distraction, but besides from that you have a great image here. Really well composed, great colours, and spot on exposure!.

Bill - I like your suggestions...unfortunately, I don't have different comps...I snapped off a couple of frames - mostly from the same spot on a little wooden bridge - adjusting for exposure and the vibration I was getting as everyone kept walking across the bridge...family was waiting for me down the trail, etc. I'd really like to go back and have time to move around a bit.

I like it fine....If it were mine, I'd remove the stick. Very nice image

I agree, it is a lovely image, I don't find the log distracting enough to take my eye off the gorgeous color and flow of the water which I find riveting. Although that's coming from an admitted water loving kayaker.

OK, I found the photo. It is a a book by Jim Zuckerman "Shooting and Selling Your Photos", page 12. His is a slightly darker exposure and the branch that everyone seems to notice was actually much longer...it seems to have broken off. Either way, I'm not disturbed by it..if anything maybe you could dodge/burn it to make it a little less bright.

Jack

I really like this. Great processing and color. I am in the "remove the stick" crowd though. It's like a menacing hand reaching into the scene.

I'm also in favor of removing the stick.
This is a real fine image processed well.
My only suggestion might be to add a subtle vignette to keep the viewers' eye focussed more on the interior of the shot.

Thanks for all the feedback! Based on several suggestions, I made a quick edit to the file to try to remove the log...here is a revised version with my sloppy "healing brush" edit...but I think it is stronger...

Revised Pic

Beautiful revision Jamie. I think it's a great comp and agree with your editing... Damn those logs jacking up our images!

Thanks for sharing - I love Glacier and it's been many years since my last visit. Gotta fix that...