The out of focus blobs in the background both contradict the idea of aloneness and distract from the main subject. Imho this would benefit from tighter cropping.
I know your dof brings out this solitary leaf but I can see there are other leaves on the tree. IMO this should be shot where there are no leaves to show up in the photo. Otherwise I like it. Just doesn't fit the challenge for me. 4
Great focus and use of light. The colors stand out very nicely against the sky background. Fits the challenge well. I like the simplicity of the image. Well done. 7
Excellent use of DOF and rule of thirds. The sharpness of the leaf contrasts very well with the background. It would have been ideal if there were no leaves in the background, however, blurring them still allows the point to be made.