Badlands Autumn......

[LenR]

Taken in the Alberta Badlands along the Red Deer river valley. One of the last days of good colour. A early autumn storm with rain and wind stripped the leaves from the trees the next day. Once a tropical swampy region in the Cretaceous age when dinosaurs roamed it is now semi arid. Significant fossil remains have been discovered in the area. The eroded hills in the background show the layers of alluvial and volcanic ash deposits that accumulated to a depth of over 750 ft over the millennia.
C&C welcome.

Canon 5D series, ISO 400, 200mm @f11.
Global & local edits.

[Tom Barry]

Nicely seen and done. I see a face in the hill just to the right and higher than the tree.

[LenR]

Thanks Tom, I had not noticed the face but you are right - prominent "eyebrows & beak"

[Manfred M]

I have not been out that way in years; definitely a very striking locale. I love the colour palette as well.

Let me throw out a couple of ideas:

1. Crop out the sky to see what that does; and

2. Add a touch of mid-tone contrast (i.e. "S-curve) to create a bit more tonal separation.

[DanK]

I agree about adding contrast. I'd add more than Manfred did, and I would also increase vibrance somewhat.

[Wavelength]

I really like this image and the palette of colours; enjoyed seeing this; i too can see that face

[LenR]

Thank you Manfred & Dan for your input. Some pointers to consider. I made several trips into the valley this fall - an easy 80 mile drive. I have a hundred plus images to go thru and I believe there are captures without the sky. A most fascinating area with many photographic opportunities from intimate details to landscapes.

[LenR]

Thank you Nandakumar. Appreciate your kind comments regarding the image.