>>As for the composition, I was under the impression that some space should be left in the direction that the animal is facing/looking toward?
>>


here's a shot that I think works as an example. This shot defies the "space to move" theory, the large depth of field theory, and interprets the rule of thirds in a half-full rather than half-empty way. It even has areas of blown highlights, but I don't think they distract - I think they help the salamander look slimy and shiny! The critter doesn't always need a football field in front of it, it just has to make sense that the critter could move if it wanted to. Although I chose to make this a close portrait, this shot would work at less zoom as well. does this make my points clearer?


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Erik Williams

fattailed geckos, western hognoses, and a bunch of postage stamps.
Contact me
www.chicagoherp.org
Chicago Herpetological Society

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