Thanks so much guys for your wonderful responses! each of you gives me much to think about! i luv hearing your thoughts about this and will take the time to let it all soak in. you guys are right! it DOES depend on the kind of shot! i've been taking mostly action shots these days. it's hit and miss. i'd like to "hit" more than miss!!! action shots with moving subject...well, i have no idea how to go about "thinking" about my photographs in terms of composition. In this example, i was positioned on the edge of a sloping bank. no way to use tripod. Richard, the "attention-grabbing element", in this one, was the two birds zooming thru the water. i failed miserably. those damn ducks are soooo freakin' fast. is there something i can do prior to taking these kind of shots that would help me be more successful? Jim you said that making more of conscious effort to think about composition would definitely help me be more successful. i understand how it can help with landscapes, still lifes, etc. What about for these kind of shots? you are very successful in your action shots of birds. in these cases, do you plan and think about composition? i have more questions and comments but have to leave for work soon. thanks so much again guys!!! this helps me a lot!