as i was reading responses of the thread i started "Waited two years to get this", i had a question concerncing composition. when you guys are shooting (or just prior to shooting) do you consciously think about composition? when you're looking into your viewfinder, are you thinking about the 'rule of thirds'? i know about the rule of thirds but it's nothing something i thinking about when i'm taking pictures. i guess i kinda feel like a musician who "plays by ear" as opposed to one who has studied music and music theory. i'm NOT consciously thinking about composition when i take pics. i just feel my way around, ya know? i'm usually feeling verrrrry excited when i shoot, and i don't "think." i just do it. i find photography so exciting that i can't even begin to focus on the technical aspects. i experiment with settings. in a critical moment, like when taking that bird shot in that thread, i just do it. i adjusted my speed and zoom, and i tried to get that bird placed where i wanted her. but i wasn't thinking about any rules of photography. i wonder if i could try to make a more conscious effort to "think" when i'm shooting if i would improve my photography skills. I also wonder how the rest of ya'all deal with composition when you're shooting. is it something you consciously think about, or do you just feel your way around and "do it by ear" like me. thanks guys!