I find as a landscape photographer, we have these certain special times we aim to get those amazing photos we seek. Times like fall when the leaves all change and transform the landscape into a kaleidoscopic wonderland.
It's spectacular for sure, but then when all the leaves fall off it can be a lot less compelling to get out and shoot. I call this time stick season, when the leaves have fallen and everything is dry and dead looking. The trees just look like sticks. The bright fall color has faded to browns and ochres and the shadows are getting long. It's a different kind of landscape that might be more challenging or at least different to photograph. This is what I want to see.
It might sound bad, but if we look a little harder we can still get good landscapes (or other shots that might include the landscape) during stick season.

So let's see 'em!

Closing for the contest is midnight Wednesday, November 15 (MST).

The fine print:
Every week, a new theme is picked and judged by the winner of the previous week.

Rules
1. Post ONE photo (max 1024x1024).
2. The photo must portray an interpretation of the theme.
3. Post your single picture (and only one picture) in this thread and explain what motivated you to take the picture and/or how you feel it represents the weekly theme (especially if it's not obvious).
4. The challenge is interactive. Any response is welcome.
5. The judge will pick the WINNERS and choose one of them to be the judge for the next week.
6. This challenge runs for at least 7 days, plus an additional day, if required, for the judge to choose the winners.
7. Any Pentax/Ricoh (DSLR) camera can be used.
8. Pictures can be from any time frame, not just within the week of the current theme.
9. In case the winner of a challenge is unable to become the judge for the next challenge, they will PM the #2 winner for that person to be the judge

A few examples:

[mattb123]

No restrictions on when you shot or processed it!

[StephenHampshire]

[noelcmn]

Pioneer Dam, Kruger National Park. High Summer in the Northern Kruger Park.

[Barbara Fu]

No restrictions on when you shot or processed it!

Thanks!
Alas, my best winter shots are from Paju from before I bought the Pentax.

[mattb123]

Thanks!
Alas, my best winter shots are from Paju from before I bought the Pentax.

Alas.

[rjbrett]

Frangipani in winter;



Tried black and white but think this looks better.

[mattb123]

Contest is closed! I'll try to get the results out in the next day or two. Thanks for playing!