the first one is definitely the best IMO. I also find that branch distracting. i'm not seeing where it gives it any added depth, but that doesn't mean anything. LOL! i miss things all the time! It's very beautiful, Pascale!!!!!! If this was my image, i would play around with it, and see how it looks with some of that DOF cropped off on the left. it might ruin it though. but i would probably try it and see. i'm the same way...play around with my images and sometimes have 10 versions! LOL! it can be verrrrry hard to decide!!! great stuff, girl!!!