Very cool... I love learning and reading about things like this. Thanks for the info.....

This is probably just the kind of thing a psychologist would love to set up a double blind study of.... I saw a NOVA where they did much the same sort of thing with Capuchin monkeys. Of course comparing monkeys to photographers might be unfair to the...... (wait for it) monkeys! 8~) Unfortunately I'm a Welder - Machinist - Diesel Mechanic & want everything to be quantifiable... That along with a touch of OCD and you wind up with stuff like this....

[quote=IL86]Straight to the point on LEFT and RIGHT:
http://users.rider.edu/~suler/photopsy/rulethirds.htm
“In an image with a single subject and lots of background or negative space, we might apply the Rule of Thirds by creating twice as much background or negative space as subject.
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I've often wondered if this was a result of an empirical study with quantifiable data or an arbitrary 'rule'. Your explanation does make sense and from a purely subjective point of view, feels right. What about diminishing perspective shots?

No apologizes needed Ken.... I value your input. In retrospect, I think my approach on this shot was a bit too convoluted. The name of the shot is 'One From Many' and I was attempting a triple-etendre. 8~)
Getting the color 'right' is indeed a worthwhile topic. As a novice, I've just started learning how difficult this can be - and how important. The color you see, the color on the camera's display, the color on your computer and the appearance of a final print often seem to have only a passing relation to each other. I purchased several filters early on but now only use a variable ND occasionally. I am more apt to to use color and contrast adjustments on the camera but primarily use post-production. (still learning THAT, as well!) I'm on a budget and use LED's and filters (tissue paper, thin cloth, ect.) for my set-up Macros. Some full-spectrum studio lights are on my wish list for Christmas!
I agree with you on the position of the coin stack. I am now much more likely to use the 'Rule of Thirds' when framing or cropping than I was even a few months ago - when everything HAD to be center field. (unless there is a good reason not to....)

Thanks for your interest and comments.... They are appreciated.

"A dime should be silver. The Pennies copper"
I tried several variations in post production. The dime I used in the shot actually had an unique copper patina. Dimes from 1965 to the present are composed of outer layers of 75 percent copper and 25 percent nickel, bonded to a pure copper core. Every once in a while you will find one like this. I shot this U.S. Quarter using the same initial settings....

I

I tried

I started taking photographs for other than typical family use about 6 months ago, after my wife gave me a new camera for Christmas. I've been trying a bit of everything and really enjoy macro. I know that we all have a unique perspective and appreciate any and all comments.