Congrats on finishing! I was in the same boat as far as time constraints, but you still pulled off a lovely illustration- I really enjoy the softness to the painting.
I feel like you're missing edge loops or something on your highpoly. Parts are really way too soft, like the ridge parts on the receiver cover, and the scope also.
Have you considered making a few branch sets and duplicating them around? Soft select or bones from there to shape each branch from there, no need to retop the entire thing.
Did you know today is the international dance day? Dancers in RPGs are my soft spot since Ragnarok Online days :) HD: https://www.artstation.com/artwork/rebeca-the-gypsian
The backpack looks amazing. Do you think you can post the texture sheets for it? I've been trying to find good examples of how to get that soft leather look.
looks beautiful! I'm curious where this is heading. And give a bluer sky a chance, it might help. And I love the look with the bloom, it looks so soft and like inside a dream.