Well here’s something pretty amazing. This photograph by Wang Zhao for AP-Getty Images shows Chinese honor guards lining up with the help of a string as they await the arrival of Myanmar President U Thein Sein and Chinese President Xi Jinping, during a welcoming ceremony outside the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Friday, June 27.

At a technical level there are a number of fascinating features. First of all, of course, the rule of thirds – both horizontally and along the diagonal. Second, is the string itself leading your eye.  The way in which the focus moves along the line of soldiers left to right, leaves no question about where your eye should go.  The squinting commander is really wonderful. And it all goes to show that a photograph is all about perspective and composition.  Here the perspective was perfectly chosen, and the composition excellently executed.