By Scott Shephard

"Scalene triangle" is not a term that I use every day. In fact in 61 years it could be that this is the one and only time I have used it. But there are two scalene triangles in this photo, as illustrated below. Did you see them before I pointed them out?

Why do I point this out? Well, because I like to illustrate times when clear compositional elements are present in a photograph. In this case I suppose the triangles illustrate "balance" and/or "symmetry." Is it good photo because of this? I can't say. But I can say it is a better photo.

And, as long as I'm teaching something today, I'd also like offer a reason why I converted this photo to black and white: quite simply, black and white helps accentuate these two scalene triangles and create a sort of balance. The color version tends to draw the eye to the bright blue sky.

The magic of black and white photography is that it helps focus on composition. Occasionally, as in this photo, I think it also helps us see the light just a little bit better.

Canon 5DIII f/9.5 ISO400 88mm (3 shot HDR)