Photography is an art form. A photograph does not need to be technically perfect to be liked. It is also a matter of taste.
I empathize with the photographer, possibly because I tried for a similar effect in a photo that I titled "Hope", the intention being to show strong light filtering through a gloomy tunnel, in some way reflective of my own personal situation. Like the photographers picture, it was a snapshot, and had to be a snapshot, because the tunnel on that day was a very busy place, not much hope of finding a people free space. It was also a spur of the moment thing much like the photo being discussed and you will notice that I have blown the highlights, intentionally, because my intent was to show a bright light at the end of the tunnel, without the greenery interfering too much.