Needing Opinions

[Newby]

Hey all,

I can say that I think most of the better stuff that shoot involves animals. I have been working on trying to get it right for a while now and I think I'm getting closer to where I want to be before I try branching out into other subjects. Below are two of what I think are some of my best that I just recently took while on a trip. Let me know what you think, and if you get a chance look at my personal gallery (you can get an idea of the early stuff I shot and the stuff know) Any and all comments are appreciated it is the only way I'm going to learn and to get better.

[Suppi]

I like the bear. I'm not the best critic but I can't think of anything to improve this one. The lion is good but the tree stump in the forground is very distracting. I'd clone it out. It also could use a little more contrast on the lion to sharpen it up. Great animal shots!

[swillox]

^^^agreed... the bear is very impressive, the way he stare's at you is terrific! hope you also had vertical shot !

[odie]

beautiful photo, though the immediate tree stump can be annoying. but i can imagine it was a difficult shot. but to have the smirking lion parallel with the tree would of been priceless.

[BlackSlate]

You're not going to like this, but it represents my point-of-view. :)

It's difficult to compete with telephoto lenses that bring a zoo or wild animal right up close with amazing sharpness and clarity, but that is what makes animal shots outstanding. Otherwise, they end up looking pretty ordinary. I really don't see anything in these two shots that make them much different than any other snapshots of a day at the zoo.
The perspective isn't unusual, the lighting and composition doesn't add any interest, and the shots are just too far away to be dramatic or artistic.

They are good snaps, to be sure, but are they outstanding in any way? If you are really interested in this kind of photography, you should consider investing in a high-end telephoto lens and a decent tripod. That's the reason why I'm NOT interested in shooting animals...it favors special equipment and technical expertise over artistic/creative talent. It's just too damn hard! :D

However, here is a link to a Photo contest site that combines both artistry AND technical excellence.
At The Zoo (http://www.dpchallenge.com/challenge_results.php?CHALLENGE_ID=359)

Hope these shots will inspire you to continue your efforts.