Chairs

This was a highly contrasty scene inside the University of Pittsburgh Cathedral of Learning (I bracketed). From where I was crouching, I couldn't get horizontal lines in the composition, and if I moved right, I'd be blocking the window light. Does the tilt work?

And does the light work?

I personally don't care too much for the angle thing in this. Did you try getting in front of them but flat on the floor so you wouldn't be blocking the light? [i know you'd have to be shooting up at them but depending on how far away you were it might not converge too bad and/or might be interesting anyway? I think i'd have to see it, to tell for myself, anyway]

I find that the tilt distracts from the subject. It might have worked better had you tilted the camera a bit more, otherwise it just looks like bad compositon. Also, your direct use of flash created strong shadows but left most of the subject in darkness. I like your choice of subject though, you have a good eye for beauty.