If anyones interested in my missing Pu' erh pics (oops!) you can find them here. http://www.hipforums.com/forum/gallery/album/10725-my-pu-erh/
Great work. Yes get a tripod and focus using the tripod extension. Try frost crystals early in the AM or in spots with no sun all day, don't stand too close.
That's some nice artistry, Aranyani. I haven't done much post processing. I really have to try more of it.