Capturing a great shot with lots to contend with ~ C & C please

[LLD]

I loved the "Christmas Card" look to this shot but there was a lot to contend with. A neighbors home that was less than grand as well as a busy road and ugly street signs. Is this a hit or miss? What could I have done to make it better except that I wasn't wearing boots this day and about froze my butt off getting this shot. Might be the shivers that made the shot less than sharp.

 

[CourtneyAK]

Heres an edit using that program i got...(quality looks crappy though)

 

[LLD]

Heres an edit using that program i got...(quality looks crappy though)
View attachment 34128

Probably because I had to make it small to get it on this site. Otherwise it doesn't upload
Thanks!

 

[CourtneyAK]

The quality of yours was good, just when I edited it...it brought it down a notch.

 

[texkam]

You needed to zoom in and properly expose. Crop just inside of the crooked left post and brighten.

 

[snowbear123 54]

It's a good idea, when you are able, to shoot something from a few different perspectives. Moving left or right, and certainly closer, can often reveal a better view.

 

[Awiserbud]

I wasn't wearing boots this day and about froze my butt off getting this shot. .

Sometimes you have to suffer for your art.
I like the theme and general aesthetics of the shot, but some may say if a shots worth getting, then its worth going back more prepared and getting it right.