One of the challenges that photographers have to overcome is learning to see tonal values in color. Regardless of whether you shoot in full color or monochromatic a good composition should have contrast. When I stood here considering how I would make this picture I knew right away there were two things I wanted to capture: First, I wanted to use the trees to frame the peak of the cliff. Second, I wanted to capture the yellow sun-lit leaves against the clear blue sky and the shadows of the cliff, knowing that they would render a nice contrast in the image. It wasn’t until I was processing the shot in Lightroom that I decided to go monochromatic with it and I am very pleased with the result. The difference in value between the leaves and the shadows of the cliff adds great depth to the photograph, I think.
5D Mk III with 24-105mm f/4.0L IS USM lens. ISO 100, f/8.0, 1/100 sec.