An abundance of shades of purple in both images, but so different in texture.
The first is purple bloom.
The second is purple rain (reminds me of the fact that Prince (RIP) died ten years ago, with a few days difference from today).
This is a very good technique (that I too often like to use, to show a tower in an fairly uninteresting (even, cloudless) sky.
The tower would look like a finger pointing up in a great expanse of nothingness if it was just against that blue sky.
Using a tree to add extra verticality besides it, is a good choice.
Using that same tree to also serve as an umbrella and natural frame above and around the building, is even better.
The similarity of shapes is so striking, that it might also make a good image if we limited the view to just that, with the weathered plank above it as a natural frame.
I don't feel like the slender pillars (how do you call such dividers in windows and staircases - they must have a specific name) above that nor the insect screen add much to the image. The "pillars" are more of a distraction, because they betray that you were pointing upwards (perspective distortion). And that is a detriment to the proximity of the insect.
Riedinger.
Reichenbach.
One might easily imagine a fight to the death on the edge of that waterfall.
(Between Holmes and Moriarty of course).
The two figures with their gentle and subtle indication of scale, make the shot so much better.
I do love scenes like these.
There is the cultural point of interest, that makes the shot exotic.
And there is the behaviour that makes the shot universal.
And let me mention also the gorgeous late (or very early) light (this can be post school in winter or pre school in summer...)
That light is not only very flattering and warm, but it also arranges for interesting long shadows.
Apart from the one brave guy, the other boys are not yet ready to approach the girls.
But their shadows already are. (Almost like in those old recurring cartoons in Mad Magazine: "The Shadow Knows".
Shadows are betraying emotions. Shadows are a manifestation of deep desires.)
Cool performance shot.
One can tell that the whole ensemble is invested in the musical.
Not only the singer is very expressive, but all the girls surrounding her are also into the vibe.
(I suppose these are "The Pink Ladies", but not so pink as in the movie.)
What a wonderful juxtaposition. It is rare that cleaners get this kind of appreciation!
The arcs and circles link the image in an unusual, but very attractive way.
This is a very good pairing. The flowers are linked by their colour and abundance, but separated by their different shapes, Together they depict spring or early summer beautifully.
I agree with the comment that the first may be better with a bit more brightness.
What a cool butterfly, and caught against a very suitable background. The bright Spring-green of the butterfly is set off nicely against the dark green paintwork. The shape of the butterfly is echoed in the decorative cut-out in the woodwork.
You say it was the height of excitement this week, but you don't need many events of that calibre for it to be a rewarding week photographically.
I can see why you like this place.
The waterfall is impressive and nicely put in context by the figures, carefully positioned against the snow.
I agree with the idea of cropping just above the dark tree-line.
I agree with everything Mike says, except perhaps the crop. The space on the right implies the space from the stage to the audience, which somehow allows me to feel the presence of an audience without aczually seeing it.