I don't normally take photos of people. I don't know why, it just really isn't my thing. For whatever reason, I feel more comfortable tracking down a tiny little insect than I do trying to take photos of people.

On one occasion, I was out taking photos, and doing my usual thing - which in this case was chasing a butterfly. A guy and his dog wandered into the area where I was shooting. For a while I continued chasing the butterfly, but then stopped and watched as the guy began fly-fishing and his dog followed his every move. The scene started to take on the feel of a photo I'd see in a magazine.

So I decided to take advantage of the situation and step out of my comfort zone and try something new. After asking the gentleman if he minded if I took some photos, I started firing off shots.

Technical Data: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT, Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di LD Macro1:2 at 300m, 1/2000 sec at f/5.6, ISO 400. No post production. Cedar Creek Park, Westmoreland County, PA.

Why This Photo: I really liked the way the dog followed his owner, the scene really played out like something I thought looked like a 'classic' photo.

What Works: The eye contact with the dog provides some engagement into the scene, and I think counterbalances the fact that the fisherman is looking out of the frame. And even though you can't tell this from the photo, I think the fact that I stepped out of my comfort zone really counts for something here.

What Doesn't Work: First, this is something that bugs me a lot, yet I do it often - the horizon is not level (I've bought a bubble level to help work on this!). The framing is a bit poor, and pulling back the focal distance a bit - maybe to just 250mm would have made for a much nicer shot. Finally, the reflections are a bit distracting, I don't have a polarizing filter for this lens, but this might have been a good place for one.

The bottom line is that this isn't the greatest shot, but I took advantage of an opportunity and tried something a little new with my photography. I know that my favorite photography is macro, but I really am trying to work on expanding out into other areas, and taking advantage of a situation when it presents itself will be key to getting into that.

- Bill