Before
After
(The composition rule that was useful was Background because... Its saying to not just focus on the subject but to include and pay attention to the background also.)
http://www.photographymad.com/pages/view/10-top-photography-composition
http://www.digitalcameraworld.com/2010/04/12/10-rules-of-photo-composition-and why-they work/
http://www.ephotozine.com/article/12-top-photography-composition-rules-17158
http://dailypost.wordpress.com/2013/07/30/composition
http://photofocus.com/2009/11/30/25-photo-composition-tips/