I'm not sure about this. Without the black and white and high contrast, this really wouldn't have appeared desolate to me. I think, too, that you might have had more success with a lower angle.
Not sure how fitting the title is for the pic, but the pic is pretty good. Very busy though. It is not a picture with a clear cut focal point. Then again, this pic might not need it. I would prefer to see something colorful as the focal point to break up the trees a little. - Inspzil