This is a beautiful image but I'm afraid it might be getting hammered by voters in the particular challenge. It's a technical masterpiece and impeccibly processed. I really like your idea, "A Beautiful Death." It may have been hard with this particular image, but for the sake of really nailing the challenge, it would have been nice to offer some sort of contrasting element within, so that even if I couldn't see the title, I'd understand what was trying to be conveyed. But very well done! 7. 8o)
I really do like this image. I think there is a lot going for it. I like the composition is in line with the rule of thirds. I like how the colors complament each other, I like that your shooting at a proper dof so as the background falls blurry. the only issue I have I guess is I don't know if some will feel it fits the challenge. I understand that the leaf is in the process of dieing but I don't know if everyone will.
all in all great image, I think with some minor lumonisty sharpening this would go farther though.