I chose this for its minimalism. My favorite photos remove the (complicated) human and work to discover simplicity. This photo embodies that idea. There are really only four elements that work in a subtle manner to create a calm, tranquility within the soul and body. Upon first look it immediately draws out a breath and creates a settling calmness in ones chest. The four elements which have been composed in this photograph are 1) the repetition (in a group of three) of the posts, 2) the comparable, blue-grayness of the sky and water, 3) the dark blue-grey horizontal line delineating the horizon and the intersection of the sky and water, and 4) The reflective quality of the water as manifested beneath the posts. These four features create an overwhelming calmness in a most minimalistic way, highlighting the power of perfected minimalist artistry. 

1. The capture of the repetitive piers in the lower left corner create comfortable focus of three. Their stepped shape seems to create a stairs into the final step off into the smoky water. they emerge from the water as if protruding from the sea as its own creation not that of man. They allow for a focus amidst the grayness of the background; a focus on the singular not in a trance-like center but towards the bottom of the photo so that your eye droop a little and a calm sinks over you as you stare intently. These posts/piers seem beyond comprehension as anything prior. Simply vertical steps of natural brown that calms the soul; bring in the humanity without the human. 

2. The similarities between the sky and the water in this photograph remove any distraction of a sunset or dramatic division between the water and sky. Such a characteristic creates a blanket of grey, which in some circumstances would be depressing, but in this case create a veal of smoky, watery blue which is not depressing. It creates a tranquility unperturbed by an interruption of some contrasting color. The exception is of course the three piers but these do not violently violate the water, but rather emerge gracefully from the water. The imagery is truly remarkable. 

3. The existence of the gray-blue line across the horizon is not just the unavoidable within the photograph, but a delineation of horizontality which prevents the grey sky from becoming to expansive, thereby loosing its calm serenity of the inner feeling.

4. Finally the reflective, undefined edges of the water combined with their reflective quality give depth to the image. It invites reflection, and tranquility evoked by such imagery. In this manner the reflective quality is the most important aspect of this photograph. 

As for the fact that this picture was taken by an "amateur." One would never know that this was a shot taken by a non-professional. It seems to blur the line between amateur and professional making the only true difference money. One gets paid for their work and the other does not (in a formal manner). 

Here is the link to my flicker gallery 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/48721209@N04/galleries/72157623698806990/