You mention you studied composition intensively. What do you consider the best way of learning about composition? Reading books? Looking at other art? Paintings? Photography?
I once read it's a good idea to carefully look at the composition of old(er) paintings. What was your approach?
Well, my approach on this is that composition books are famous and well-regarder for a reason, take for example Josef Muller Brockmann's Grid System, which after reading it, became my most influential book to follow for placement in composition, I strongly think books like those help create a basic yet timeless understanding of composition. That is my preferred source personally. What about you?
Some years ago, I read a couple of books about photography and composition. Introductory books.
Lately, I caught some interest in drawing. And came across a video that advised to play around with composition, easy drawings, changing where to put 'objects'.
Further I read a post about watching old art works. Since centuries of studies on composition preceded those paintings.
If you would only look at photography, it's probably hard to weed the great from the good or average.
Btw, I am nog claiming I am a good photographer or any sort of artist. I do like understanding things, gathering a better feeling, more knowledge ... ;)
This is an interesting read:
http://erickimphotography.com/blog/2013/09/05/17-lessons-walker-evans-has-taught-me-about-street-photography/