Many years ago, a good friend and I put together THE BEST RICE, or 11 steps to good composition. THE BEST RICE is the first letter for each rule. For example, the first T stood for "Thirds, Rule of", and continued with the other letters. It's elementary, but simple. lt was used to help York Daily Record correspondents in their photography, explaining that getting a good picture was more than hitting the shutter release.

Sometimes, you shoot a picture that works. It's pretty, pleasing and, well, it just works. Can't explain it. This photo is one that breaks all the rules, including the Rule of Thirds.

Was shot Monday on the Great Allegheny Passage, a bike trail that runs from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Maryland. Hand held at 1/2 second and f11, 200 ISO.