Adam - there's lots of specs of something in the dark areas... what is it?

What was the aim of the photog assignment? The first pic, the tree is blown out and I think a bit too much contrast, but again, depends what was asked of you. The second picture the exposure is better, but the composition isn't as good as the first pic


Here's a few I took tonight.






this one's a bit busy, but i still like it.