[Rob Barron]

Although rules are most certainly made to be broken at the right time, I don't think this is the time. Paul's picture is a lovely shot but made all the better in Mark's pimp. There is much better balance to the picture as the main tree is pretty much equidistant from the side as the willow from the opposite side whilst still 'breaking the rule' by having the picture divided horizontally by the central bright water line.... which works very nicely.

Although I am always happy to move away from the rule of thirds, I do feel that when a subject moves to a quarter or less from the side and has nothing to balance it on the other side, it does affect the comfort zone of the piece in the viewer's eye.

Good work both Paul and Mark.
Cheers,
Rob