I was going to comment on this but most of the things I intended to express have now already been said so I'll simply say that Kris's wintery lane photograph works either way for me.
As for rules of composition just ask yourself when you view an image, painting or photograph: Does it look right, has it balance, or does it seem awkward?
David

Fantastic icicles, you made the most of this photo opportunity Gareth.
David

An unusual and very imaginative idea. it works very effectively.
David.

I really like this set, very well observed and documented.
David

An F4 70-200mm zoom for Pentax is bound to be a popular choice. I know the equivalent Canon is hugely popular. I've had the F2.8 Pentax version for more than a year now and its a marvelous performer, gets used all the time. Downside is the weight, I lugged it up the steep embankment at Ribblehead Viaduct in the Yorkshire Dales on Saturday, clamped onto my K3. I also had the K5 and DA*16-50mm lens round my beck. not for the faint hearted. The positive side is its wonderful performance.
No doubt the F4 will be a lot lighter. But here's a question I've wondered about with some of my photo friends who have the Canon F4 70-200mm zoom: Is the quality of the F2.8 set at F4 better than with the F4 lens set wide open?
David

A fine set of pictures Gary. Hope you d had a decent stay-over at England's highest pub. Was this yesterday, Sunday? I was up in that area the day before to photograph steam trains at Carnforth, Ribblehead and Kirkby Stephen, as was Pete Weber.
David

The 50-135 lens certainly is weather sealed - mine has been drenched many times without any problems, along with the DA*16-50 and my D FA70-200. Likewise the Pentax cameras I use. Just over two years ago when Storm Desmond devastated parts of Cumbria I was out in the thick of it in the Appleby area, took many photos and had no problems with cameras or lenses afterwards.
Thanks for the comments on this latest wet weather expedition in Newcastle. That was like a teddy bear's picnic compared to Storm Desmond.

Excellent selection of Whitby scenes Gary. I particularly like the kipper shop.
David

Photography on a wet Monday in Newcastle.
K5+DA*50-135mm lens

Thanks for all the comments, much appreciated. As for the top of the last image I think Nigel and Andy are right and it would look better with the sliver of sky cropped out.
David