Looking for help... Rule of Thirds

[gregtrepanier]

Beginner photographer here. I am looking for help choosing which of my photos best represents the "Rule of Thirds" while still delivering a bit of a WoW factor. Have to turn in one photo for class on Monday night.

[racedraper]

I like the second. but personally I would have shot horizontal. great detail in the trees and w/b .

[llewpics]

I am no pro - others should weigh in as well. To me, the first and second come the closest to the rule of thirds. The second has a different type of horizontal composition, while the third (even though my favorite) in my opinion, shows the rule the least - if you notice, the horizon splits the image in 1/2 ...I would suggest trying to crop the 1st so the sun reflection in the snow is not there ...that way horizontally you would have the 1/3 snow, 1/3 tree line / sun and 1/3 sky. Silo and the sun shout intersect in the bottom left intersection of third lines ...if that makes any sense. Also - the sun could be a little less bright ...can you tone it down some?

[Grandpaw]

I would say that number two best reflects the rule. But the photo I like the best is number one, Jeff

[gahspidy]

#2 best example and IMO the best photo of the three. As a matter of fact, its quite good.
#1 does not have enough of a subject to focus on. the suns light is blocked partially by something of which i cannot make out. the lighting on the snow in the fg is ok, but nothing spectacular whereas it can be the subject in itself.
#3 has some interesting foreground elements and shadows, but the dark barn weighing on the right side with the left frame empty with open sky creates an uneasy off balance. Also the horizon line dead center adds to the tension. does not work at all.
#2 is following the rule in that the horizon is about a third up into the frame and the path leads us to the house which is also off to the lower left third area in the comp. I love that the space between the trees brings us up and into the upper right third area and then allows our eyes to slowly descend and take in the snow covered pines. The shadow play on the snow in the foreground is a huge plus in this as well. Its really quite a nice shot and has some of that wow factor.
#2 is clearly your choice.

[LeeIs]

The first two work, but the 2nd one is the stronger of the two images imo.