cphoto

Hi, Stephen. Good point, food for thought. I believe the term "rule of thirds" comes from the pure definition of the Golden Proportion which is also called The Golden Mean, Golden Ratio, 1.618. It originates with the Fibonacci numbers. It is such an old phrase and concept that it is just ingrained with we photographers. I try to find a way to use Fibonacci numbers in my photography. As an aside, I am a cancer survivor, too. Going through it certainly does change your outlook on life. Thanks,

The rule of thirds is really not a rule to be followed in each and every case. It does not apply to this shot. This photo is a Rodney Smith image except for the fuzzyness. Rodney Smith is one outstanding photographer.

Composition is perfect. Contrast and exposure are excellent. Good eye.

Good eye. Great color, contrast, and exposure.

What is the subject? Where is something interesting? There is way too much going on for this image to be studied. My eye wants to go somewhere else. I am not a fan of fuzzy water no matter if a water fall, a river, or the ocean. There have been way too many over done time exposures of water.

Your eye wants to leave the image at left, then top. It needs some shadow detail rather than pure black. Composition needs a little more sidewalk at bottom to give it a base. Very interesting shot.

A relook at the photo at 300% looks to me like the skier was pasted into the picture of the snow. The pixels around the skier are mottled just like the artists signature. I would agree the skier looks strange. I still do not like the composition.

Seems like the skier needs more room to ski down the hill. Your eye goes right to the top of the picture, then down and right in order to find a route for the skier. Then, you go outside of the picture to see where he is going. I would place the skier more near the top left and have the diagonal lines go to bottom right. Sharpness could be improved.