Great photo Bill, but the real treat was to see this trident in real life! The look of an unbroken trunk and the detail of the branch size is very nice on this tree. I really liked the pot also, the match is wonderful.
Candy,
Nice trident. My suggestions would be very similiar to those mentioned about letting the lower branches thicken for now and no need to defoliate the bottom. The tree's trunk has a lot of character and movement, however the apex is rather thin and lack taper. I would suggest cutting down the current apex, very far down and letting it grow out and cut it once a year for the next three years. This can give you some taper in the apex that will match the tree.
I would find a shallower, but larger bonsai pot. Looks like this pot is too high and deep for the height and size of the trunk. Its also a ways away from being in a finished bonsai pot, so something larger would really help in the top growth and overall development.
Do you know the history of the tree? Looks imported, and if it is, looks Korean. Or I could have totally missed the mark
Matt Ouwinga