The bulk of the image and thus the subject in a manner of speaking is mostly dull blue gray mottled areas with the buildings composed almost as an afterthought (whether it was or it wasn't). I can definitely see why reviewer wouldn't take it - "most of the time" the preference is for tighter compositions with the subject "graphically front and center" and more dramatic as in some of the examples posted by others. That is not to say that the image is not valuable - just not necessarily commercial. Maybe if the sky was a "dramatically orange sunrise or sunset" e.g. and more "brightly lit" - maybe that would have tipped it in your favor with this wide composition
Well written! I agree with your points and often my images are front and center.. but in this case I wanted to show the dramatic clouds, the sense of isolation of the island, while showing the hope if you will of the warm lights decorating the scene. As I said, I don't think the image is all that powerful, but rather get feedback and state the lack of consistency with 500px and i's parent Getty Images..