On the Fruit Loops picture - I agree - this isn't accidental enough, nor a clear image.
Just for fun (in your spare time), try this picture again.
Note how the loops are lined up - each butting up evenly against the neighboring row. -Except that upper left row of yellow to the green. It made me wonder what "movement" you would see if you changed the touch point of each loop to the next row. like all of one row into the notch between each loop in the next. Or..... mix and match the line-ups.
Might be fun. Change the angle of your camera or the distance. Lots of flexibility with this subject. You could also try a variety of lighting - would be a good opportunity to see the impact of different light sources and their placement.
Well, JCool - After visiting your portfolio "Start of Something Beautiful", I think you'll do quite well with your photography. There are some obvious "technical difficulties" with the photos, but experience will soon have you producing perfect, ribbon-winning pictures. (Just like the rest of us. LOL. Unfortunately, our fellow members won't always agree with our personal assessment, but oh, well........)
I could see the small differences between your first Sun1Edshutter and IMG_0677. Note the straighter horizontal lines, etc. And, the latter really is quite lovely.
But, my two favorites are Less_Traveled and that wonderful Nestor_Road. There are little issues in each, but they're terrific. Note how the end of the Less_traveled road ends to the right of center makes that image! and Nestor has a terrific DOF to it, and showcases those beautiful trees.
So, work for that "A" grade at school, and that future Blue Ribbon here. I've no doubt that some day you'll do it.
And, for heaven's sake, don't let ratings drive you nutz. There are enough of us out there as it is!