I'm looking at this photo and I have to say I'm very bloody impressed. The issue of whether it is overdone is, I feel, up for debate. the reason is the lighting within the tree; it has its own ethereal glow that seems to come from within, lending a mystical and magical air to it and the entire photo.
in other words - fantastic and beautiful work.

very well shot too. so lovely

Looking at this photo I have a feeling of magnificent of the universe. The tree meet the light and in this there is something of marvelously g great that in some way represent the sense of life

I absolutely love old trees. A lot like old people with their gnarled limbs and rough skin. The backlighting here looks like an aura as if the tree's soul is showing.

This tree looks like it's on fire, or maybe it's hiding all your birthday candles!! But, seriously, it IS the light that makes this shot so special, both in the tree and on the house. Very cool foto!!

WOW!!! What a beginning to your photographic journey. This is fantastic with that light coming through the branches of this wonderfully twisted and cabled (not really the word I am searching for here to describe the many branches or part stuck together look of the body of this tree...but alas, my vocabulary fails me, or, at least, my ability to fetch the correct word from the dusty corners of my memory) Anyway, simply put, I love this tree with the light shining through. What a wonderful talent you have, not only with photography, but also with words. Your comments are always so descriptive and thoughtful. They are well worth waiting for :) . I hope, however, that you have not been stressed by the need to reply since everyone who posted a birthday photo for you only wishes you the best.
Here is to many more joyful years ahead for you and all of us to share and comment and support each other even if only digitally. Kat raises the glass..and clink!

This is beautiful, love how the tree lights up with the sun shinning through thanks for sharing cheers

I remember when you first showed me this picture. I loved it then, and I love it now, and it's a treat to see it again! (As I recall, it was in a batch with one from the golf course that I was particularly fond of.) It doesn't feel over exposed to me. You're shooting into the sun, but you got all the detail of that gorgeous trunk! Beautiful.

Great old shot,Mark. Your photos are a pleasure too see my friend. Love the area shot. Take care bro.

A wonderful shot of that grand old tree. I'm sure it has many stories to tell.

Happy belated birthday,Mark.Great shot.Almost looks like the tree is on fire.

Now that is one I havent seen before and it is darn good captured. I love how it came out. The sun shining on the trunks looks fabulous. Havent I said before, that one should think, you were born with a camera in your hands? LOVE this shot.

Even back then you can see you have the eye impressive and super-cool shot my friend!!

This is a fabulous shot looking straight into the sun. The tree looks to have an inner glow that looks very magical. This is one of those shots that I say to myself "if only I could do that ". You certainly have the talent, even right from the start of your photography days. ☺

Marvelous work! I love how the tree seems to be glowing inside.

Beautiful and outstanding work.

your work is good.It conveys feelings and emotions so let me enjoy it

This is breathtakingly gorgeous, Mark; I love that blaze of sunlight coming around the wonderfully shapely trunk, and the light on the grass and the house too. What a wonderful mood!

Very nice capture Mark. I like the lighting very much.
The hole in the tree, whereby the light shines through, looks like a light bulb.

SUPERLATIVE IMAGE

oooh, the lighting in this is sooo cool! I love the way it seeps through the tree trunk and the leaves and the way it spreads so softly across the grass... this is a fantastic photo! did I miss your birthday? well... Happy Birthday!

A huge tree with many trunks. A wealthy manor in the background. Looks like a vast sand dune or trap to the left. Otherwise, what just about everyone above preceding me said. And, UteBigSmile misspelled really.

Holy cow, Mark! This is just awesome! I love how you've captured the sunlight coming through the tree - it looks like the tree is generating its own light. Truly magical, my friend!

happy birthday Mark and a beautiful tree. looks like some I saw in Florida

beautiful picture

That is the type of morning, I like to wake up to at Easter-time and then start looking for chocolate eggs (and all sorts of others), at least that's the way I remember it, when I was a kid growing up in Berlin - well, a little time ago, but never forgotten... This image is so inspirational Mark, and 'very still' - our Easter is almost over, while you are still looking for eggs, LOL and hoping yours is also a nice reflecting one, ever so peaceful

Un arbre en fusion ! Serait-ce le secret de la sève !

I'm with Mike (Faemike) regarding, what the light does with this incredibly impressive and intriguing trunk. It is an out of all proportion great photo, in all its facets. And then just another thought of me, in a sense, it is for you to work very hard, to have so many friends here, in fact it should be enough to just say "thank you", with perhaps a minor comment that you will write a comprehensive response, on your time, therefore, when you are capable. Again I wish you many blessings on your way, and if you please take it easy, dear friend. Indeed, there is only one copy of you, right?

Mark, this thoughtful presentation truly did serve to brighten my day. The lighting for this one is spectacular and most certainly sets the tone for the image.