Based on a comment from one of my postings (not a gripe - just thought it would be a good topic) -as far as nature photography goes - to what degree is "adjusting" the image acceptable? in other words - finding the perfect fall leaf and "placing" it in the perfect composition to "create" the perfect shot - as opposed to "recording" what nature has to offer> ?!?

Personally, (contrary to some of the comments I've recieved), I DO NOT "set-up" photos - I enjoy finding what's out there and shooting it...kinda like an Easter-Egg hunt. (Don't get me wrong - I have no problems with a "set-up" shot, I just think there's enough out there to shoot without need of modification),

I Do, however, believe in selective gardening (i.e. - cutting the piece of grass that's in my field of view or removing the dead stick from my composition) - eliminating distracting elements from my composition - but I DON'T believe in "placing" elements to photograph them (i.e., placing he "perfect" leaf in the "perfect" environment)

I guess the question is, what's more important - the environment you're shooting or the image you want to present....?

Again - this is NOT a gripe about responces to my work (matter of fact, i pretty much took it as a compliment) - just thought it might be an interesting topic.