Wayward
Composition generally requires some element that connects the parts to make a whole. There are some images that forget to do this and the end result is a number of subjects, or pictures, within the photograph. If they are not connected by some thread the viewer becomes confused and the image is disjointed.
This photograph has two strong subjects, the primary subject is the horse in the lower right hand corner and the secondary is the rock in the upper left. These could have become unrelated except for the strong graphic line of the layered light coming through the dust. This subtle light obscures much of the landscape which keeps our attention on the relationship of the two primary elements as our eye flows from the upper corner downhill to the horse and back again.
This illustration gives me the feeling of being under water. The light appears to be cascading downhill and filling up the landscape with a translucent ether. The horse appears to have lost its way in the gray world of this mass of particles suspended in the air.
Click on Image 
June 17th, 2008 at 5:10 am
Thank you Jim. Your input on this one is very much appreciated
and very much needed. Taken in Bend Oregon.
June 19th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
To me a fantastic example for a discussion on what is and what is not technically excellent. I don’t want to start a debate, but just state a point. In many sites I know many people would probably state that the picture lacks sharpness and definition, that there are overblown whites, excessive grain, etc., etc. bla, bla bla. To me, this is not the case. In my opinion, there is an outstanding technical management in the picture; tonal range is magnificent. There is no sharpness because there has no need to be any; instead there are subtle forms, shadoes and lights that entwine perfectly to explode in a magnificent composition. It makes me remember Picasso whene he once said that it took him a lifetime to learn how to draw like a child. It takes a very special skill and an artistic mindset to convert undefined forms into such a detailed and beautifully achieved composition. A favorite of mine. Great shot. Jorge
June 19th, 2008 at 5:19 pm
Sorry for some of my typing errors! =)