Relies on a photoshop filter to produce its entire value in meeting the challenge: 1.
it's funny you know. i don't quite understand why reliance on photoshop filters is such a crime as to deserve a 1, in particular since this image is about more than the trivial application of a single filter. the darks, and lights, and transitions therein and between are quite lovely. for me this image unquestionably had the best application of this filter in the challenge. it's subtle enough so you don't notice it at a distance, but as you inspect the details you begin to see fractal-like veins emerging from the shrubbery, and the filter you applied enhances this. combined with the darks, slight softness, and hidden details... lovely.
it seems so obvious to me that this image isn't a trivial application of a filter, so i'm a bit annoyed about the comment you received. keep it up! i gave a 9 for this.