CC from Denver zoo trip

Hello, I recently went to the Denver zoo, and even though the sun was harsh, I was able to get a few photos. Looking for CC, always learning, always trying to get better. Thanks for looking.

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/ocXS​CV

Not sure, I uploaded the photo right? any help?

It's Ebony. He lost one of his legs to cancer. Very friendly.

Might be be better if his head was turned a bit more towards you. However, if you wanted him looking away, then I would move him to the left in the frame to have more room to the right. In addition I would subtly brighten his face/eye area and try to dim the highlights in the branches at the bottom of the frame. Not having him int he sun and having a neutral non-sunlit background is good.

I am a noob when it comes to DSLR, so anything really. Post is very challenging to me. I am in full learning mode. Thanks.

Here he is looking at me. Again, CC welcome!

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/o9ci​o7

OK, that's embarrassing, I guess I should know better than trying to ID the Lorikeets from one photo. Apollo not Ebony.

Anyway, I would also say to give the subject a bit more room in the direction they are looking - in this case there is a lot of room behind him and not much in front. It goes in general for all animals or people that are not looking directly at the camera. Of course rules are to be broken, but in this case I don't think so. I think the angle is better, but the background not as nice.

BTW it seems like it should be easy, taking good pictures of these lorikeets, but getting good poses and good backgrounds is not easy. Maybe I'm overly critical because I spend a lot of time in there trying to get 'good' shots (check out my facebook if you are interested - although I wouldn't consider all the lorie shots 'great'). It's actually great practice for kids and pets in trying to really get 'good' as opposed to 'OK' shots.

I would also question the framing - not saying right or wrong, but in a looser framing I would usually include their feet, but not necessarily the whole tail. Or I would go for a slightly tighter framing.

One other thing I do like which I see a lot of people not doing is getting the camera to the same/similar level as the animal rather than shooting up to them in the trees (or down to pets and kids).

The polar bear shot is framed better IMO, because his/her head is over to the right, but he/she is looking back across the part of the frame that has more space.

I like your old faithful shot too, that's framed spot on IMO.