Answer 1

1.The answer to my essential question (What is most important to create a visually appealing nature photograph?) is made up of all the different aspects of a photograph, I believe that the most important thing would be the photo's composition. In order to create a visually appealing photograph it must be appealing to the eye and must 'communicate' well, in order for this to be accomplished it must have the proper amount of lighting, the lines and shapes must be located accordingly, the color and tones must enhance the picture, it must contain symmetry, and the depth and perspective must enhance the message that the photographer is aiming to convey so that the image is brought to life so that the viewer is willing to take a second look to completely understand the message. The subject must be in focus, should follow the rule of thirds and the background should support and complement the subject without any clutter.

2.Some evidence is are all from the articles. A lot of them state things like "The rule of thirds: composition guideline suggests that placing your subject on or near one of the power will help produce a visually pleasing, spatially interesting photograph." and "If a background supports and complements the main subject, is visually pleasing, and works well with the composition then it has done its job." also things like "Nature photographs are successful when the message is clear, when they convey a powerful message it compels the viewer to take a second look in order to soak in the beauty and meaning of the image."

3.The sources that I found this answer from was from the articles that I find for my research checks, some of them being:  http://photoinf.com/General/Cub_Kahn/Beginner%27s_Guide_To_Nature_Photography.html

http://www.naturephotographers.net/np101/gt0804-1.html

http://photoinf.com/General/Gloria_Hopkins/Composition_in_Nature_Photography_and_the_Elements_of_a_Photograph_2.htm