"Compose and photograph something "miniature" in such a way that it conveys to the viewer that the subject of your photo is a tinier version of something that is normally larger."
Okay I have to say it (I probably won't be the only one) but I'm stumped. Okay, I see it now. A seedling. Kind of stretching the idea of miniature to me. All growing things start out small and go through various changes during growth so a seedling, a puppy, a child, really can't be called miniatures. A child is not a miniature human, just a human at a certain level of developement. The same can be said for a seedling.
i just noticed the new growth (after the 3rd view of the pic) so I'll up my vote, clearly as it took a few views to 'get it' some form of clarity is needed
i see the little sprout in the trunk of the tree, and i guess i can stretch miniature to include that. i think i'd like this better if the lighting wasn't so harsh and if the angle was different. this kinda feels more like a snapshot than anything else.
Nice idea. The lighting is a little harsh must be a flash maybe. I would try getting down closer to the sprout, and definitely would try to use the available light with a tripod for more pleasing lighting.