I think the RR ties work OK because there is not enough of it in any one shot to scream "this is a railroad tie!".

I rarely shoot amphibians or reptiles, but basic composition "rules" apply as it does with any subject. But the few times that I did photograph a snake, I did have a mental breakdown as to what to do with all those coils within the frame of the shot.

I like that last salamander shot. Although the rear foot is clipped, I like the creative wide angle view. Not typical and certainly an eye-grabber.