O.K., here's my critique of the previous photos all titled, "Twin Rocks":
View #1
This is a pleasing composition and utilizes the frame well. Like Tiera says, it tells a story because there is a Beginning, (foreground- tree), Middleground (middle-rocks), and End (background-sky/clouds). The rocks stand out as the focus and the other elements contribute. I also like the diagonals (diagonals are most always pleasing in a picture). Do you see the diagonal in the clouds that mimic the landscape horizon, then the sun shadow diagonal in the opposite direction adds balance.
View #2
This is the most unique perspective. The twin rocks are still the center of attention and the tree limb frames the subject nicely. If this view had a different title, this would probably be my favorite, because I tend to like photos that grab my attention because they are different. But if the title is "Twin Rocks", then other views are better.
View #3
This is the cluttered picture. (Good job picking this one out Amber.) There is too much going on, and not one element stands out as the subject. The tree limb blocks the view of the twin rocks, there's a scrubby bush in the center of frame, the rock on the right is larger than the twin rocks and there are two distracting parts of green bushes on both sides. This is definitely a 'hit the delete button' image for me.
View #4
This view is o.k. but not too dynamic. Shows various elements in relation with the twin rocks. The twin rocks are shown well, but the rock on the right is larger and competes for attention. This photo is O.K. but it would end up in the trash bin for me.
View #5
I like the diagonal composition, and the sky is interesting, but again, the large rock on the left competes for attention if the title of the photo is "Twin Rocks".
View #6
A pleasing composition element is called 'leading lines' meaning that there is a a line of something that directs the eye to the main subject. Here I tried to use the little ravine going from the bottom of the frame up to the top where the rocks are as a leading line; however, the line is boring and the bottom half of the frame is boring, and the angle of the camera gives the rock in front as much importance as the twin rocks, and makes them all look small compared to the rest of the composition. Into the trash bin it goes!
View #7
This view shows the twin rocks in context with it's surroundings and emphasizes their size, shape and why they were important enough to be noticed and named. Surrounding rocks don't detract, sky is pretty. This photo also has a Beginning/Foreground, middle/Middleground, and End/Background. And, the twin rocks are placed in a pleasing location in the frame, (not dead center-I'll talk about this later).
SUMMARY: My first choice would be View #7, if the title is "Twin Rocks" and my goal was to help the viewer see and remember what the twin rocks were like. If I could name the photo something else, then View #1 and View #2 would be neck and neck for my favorite. All the others would hit the trash bin. Remember, however, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and photography like all artistic endeavors is subjective and personal! Have a good day, and get those cameras out!
