Yosemite Monks
There are some composition rules that you can’t explain that just work and the rule of odd numbers is one of them. For some reasons when photographing subjects three makes a better composition then two and five makes a more pleasing arrangement than four or six. This rule too may be broken but more often than not we are attracted to odd numbered layouts.
This photographer met these monks in Yosemite and asked them to pose for him. They agreed and he set them up so that the cross light illuminated their faces and gave texture to their saffron robes. It also brought out the quality of the rock surface he used as a back drop. The fabric and colors in this image are outstanding. The photo-artist arranged the subjects very nicely so that they are all at different levels. One common mistake in group photographs is having all the heads at the same level. This makes for a boring composition, but this photographer avoided that error, also having some standing and some sitting makes for a relaxed and natural pose.
There are one or two suggestions I would like to make. Down in the lower left hand corner there is a small fragment of rock protruding into the frame. It is a little thing but it does distract from the smooth graph of the border and is one distraction that can be eliminated. The monk on the left has some of the most interesting texture in his fabric but his also looks thence with his hands at this side and the expression on his face. He is separate from the other subject and could be cropped out to give us a composition of five.
Click on Image 
Cropped 
May 22nd, 2008 at 4:44 pm
I do not agree with cropping out the 6th monk..I think he adds a dimension to the photo that is lost with him cropped out..the color of his robe matches the color of the sitting monk and creates balance. In this case, less is not more.
May 23rd, 2008 at 4:57 am
Thank you Nancy for your comments, your argument is well reasoned and to the point. I don’t know theat I disagree with you based on your resoning. My conclusion may have been wrong. I just wish he was not such a sour puss.
June 3rd, 2008 at 5:40 am
I think the use of a fill in flash to slightly lighten, not take away, the contrasting shadows of their faces where some detail is lost would have helped to enhance the different expressions. Also, I do favor the cropping of the 6th Monk, but, on the other hand, there were 6 Monks, so I guess, in order to favor the nature of the situation, all six are entitled to appear. I guess it is the photographer’s decision here. Regards, Jorge