I wonder that we have same render set up between microstation and modo or not, if we do you may try increase indirect bounce in GI to bright the scene up. (The first picture has a good contrast)
I use Modo Physical Sun and Modo Physically-based Daylight. Having 3 environments, one for Background, one for Reflection and Refraction and the last one for Indirect rays.
I have a question about apply fur Material on small branches, how can I get tree texture on the small brunch. Because when I map leaf texture for my fur material it will appear on small branches also.