I have to agree with Donald. I really don't think about the rule of thirds, It is something that I have done so much, I just do it. I try and do my cropping in camera, when I can. That being said the Cardinal and Blue Jay shots I just posted where cropped heavy. Why?? Because the birds where a small part of the photo. Even with my 75-300mm lens (on the DRebel is equivalent to 120-480mm) I have not been able to get a good full frame capture. The problem with that is if I wanted a 11x14 or larger print, the resolution would not be high enough. So crop in the camera when you can. I am re-learning my photo techniques as it has been 15+ years since I really shot much. Really since college days when I was a photographer for the year book, and that was 20 years ago. So I am having to re-train my self to think about composition before I press the shutter. Action shots are harder to get good composition, as you really have to have the techniques done pat, so you don't think, you just do. Then the action shots will stand out. The best part is practice makes perfect, and practicing is so much fun!!