Thanks - I really appreciate the input.

Jim - excellent illustration of what you were trying to convey. I don't know whether it was intentional or not, but the area in your image (lovely rotties, btw) was placed exactly right, so I could scroll just a smidge to effectively "crop" it and it made you point very well.

Peggysue - nice crop, and I love the almost medium format look it gives to the image. I also agree - taking out most of the body focuses attention exactly where it should be - on the face.

Thanks again - anyone else?