The mist below is caused by a mysterious thumbprint - impressed on the lens by my grandson!
I dont know how he managed, but he was playing with the camera and that tiny finger got in behind the shutter.
Acers respond well to pruning, as testified by Bonsai enthusiasts. Prune just above a bud and they will sprout out again two or threefold.
Ive never pruned that Bloodgood, but will soon.
They are supposed to be pruned when dormant, when buds are formed, so its easy to know where to prune i.e. very early spring.
I have a rule of my own. I find some Acers go a bit drab mid season, then put on a second flush of fresh foliage later in the season. To take advantage of that I have pruned successfully in July, and get a good response from the plant, nice fresh growth again.