Big Meadows Buck

Nikon D300 Nikon 70-200 1/200 F4.5 ISO 800

Found this nice 10 pointer in Big Meadows at Shenandoah National Park. I saw this guy and walked in for a quick image and discovered two 10 pointers close to each other. Freezing cold and no jacket since it was supposed to be a quick shot. Earned this one as I stuck around. This is one of my favorites.

I like the last hint of green in the meadow and the different layers of foliage around the buck with amazing blueberry bushes. I did not crop out the top as I like how the color fades out to a late Fall look in the meadow.

Thoughts on the overall image and the crop appreciated.

You may only download this image to demonstrate post-processing techniques.

Nice shot Andrew I agree that the foliage helps to make the shot.
I wonder if it could stand a tight crop to the head and antlers framed by the lovely red colours behind it?
Just a thought.

Great subject and wonderful background !
You can enhance the colors in the BG and it may benefit from increasing the contrast in the mid tones.