The first thing I thought when I saw this was standoff. The distance actually adds something to the pictures, like a sense of danger from afar. It made me imagine some rogue group of bandits hiding out in the ruins across from the castle, and the viewer is a worried citizen taking a peek. I think the framing is excellent and one of the few examples of the "rule of thirds" that I actually like.

The one thing I didn't like (which was also out of the control of the artist) was the modern lamppost and pathway in the bottom of the picture. But, I wouldn't hold that against the artist.