Post #1986858

What's the primary subject being photographed here? Is it the painting with the, people secondary or is the guide the subject, or is it the scene as a whole, all parts equal? What style are you going for also? A portrait, a 'street' scene, a documentary/newspaper shot, an artistic shot? These will dictate how much each element may be out of balance. My assumption is that you've gone for the scene as a whole/'street' scene, in which case I think it's all nicely balanced. The crowd are to the side not blocking the figures in the painting or the guide, and the guide is also not blocking the figures in the painting. The crowd also makes a good frame around the guide without becoming too prominent overall. If you're trying for something more artistic then you'll probably need to try a more interesting angle as this doesn't offer much scope in that regards, and like you say it is a little flat. E.g. You could make it as if the viewer is looking over the shoulder of the person in front with the guide more prominent, but still partially blocked, and the painting looming over both.