Hi Brian, i think people just take the easy way and with todays cameras it has become even easier to take "the easy way" ;o) I do not consider myself an artist, i do not try to create artwork. My purpose is to show the folks on rr the beauty of nature and ofcourse i try to portray the creatures in an appealing way. Everybody has their own reasons to photograph their subjects and upload them here. L8rdaze is right about the fact that the 'snapshots' have 'overshadowed' the more artistic photography here, but i dont think theres any rule to what kind photography may be displayed here and what kind not. To me photography is all about capturing beauty, with or without manipulation. Personally i have not much of a thing for photomanipulation because i try to show reality in stead of 'unreality'. I respect the ones that do manipulate their photography though, such as you :o) I simply wouldnt have the patience or the skill to create something similar to your work lol :o) Well thats my view on this matter, have a great day/evening, Jeroen