Leaves, Moss, Lichen, Rock
Moss, a variety of lichens, and aspen leaves on a large boulder. San Juan Mountains of Colorado.
REASON FOR REJECTION: I WANT to like this photo! I like all of its elements - the lichen, the rock, the dots of moss, and the aspen leaves. There isn't enough structure to pull the composition together. When I teach composition, I suggest sketching out the first lines and shapes of your scene to reveal its underlying structure. Once you see the structure, it is easier to decide if there is enough of a visual framework to make a composition work. Here, there isn't really anything cohesive to sketch in terms of structure--no discernible pattern and little visual rhythm. The individual elements are interesting but it is not much of a composition. Photo © copyright by Sarah Marino and Ron Coscorrosa.