Amazon - Skink (I Think) + A Question

[crotermund]

Although this creature may look like he is just basking on a log in the jungle, I actually was chasing him around the tree and in and out of a crevice in order to get a picture. They move in a quick, stop / start fashion and seem to be back on the move the second you focus in on them.

This picture was taken on the side of a tree and should be oriented upward. I rotated the picture because I kind of liked it this way. The question: Is it dishonest or misleading to change the orientation to one's liking or is it really just the right of the photographer? Am I breaking some sort of unwritten nature photography rule? I am curious about the various opinions regarding this topic.

[Bruce Williams]

Beautiful photo Craig.

As to the question of the rights and wrongs of rotating this sort of image. I would say its okay as long as it doesn't create misinformation about the subject. In this instance I guess one might question whether the legs, feet and toes would be placed quite the same manner if the skink was actually oriented in the way it appears in your posting. Would it be as flat to the bark of the tree?

Bruce

[cactuspic]

I agree with Bruce. The question is whether the image misrepresents the subject. If there is disclosure, or if the image is used for artistic rather than scientific purposes, I don't think there is any harm.

Irwin

[crotermund]

Thanks a lot for the feedback guys. I really appreciate it. Since artistic freedom seems to be unlimited in what one can do in the processing of a photo it is nice to have some sort of tangible guidelines as you mentioned above, "used for artistic purposes rather than scientific purposes" and "doesn't create misinformation". I didn't even think about the feet placement and how the skink seems to be pinned to the tree until you mentioned it, Bruce. Thank you.

[beetleman]

He certainally is one beautiful lizard Craig. Wonderful picture