Snow Leopards and Seals and Gorillas, oh my!

My first vsit to the zoo with camera in hand. I'm trying to learn, so anything you might have to offer in the way of constructive criticism would be much appreciated. All shots 30D + 70-200 f4L. Hopefully these are sized appropriately.

1.

The snow leopard is one for the one-that-got-away file. It's too bad that they were sleeping. The harbor seal is a cute shot. The refraction of his body under the water sure makes him look like a healthy chubber. The gorilla shot could use less exposure. His fur is close to black, isn't it? It may just be me, but the branch edge that was obviously cut with a saw takes away from the shot. When taking zoo shots, the goal is to make it appear that the critter is not in the zoo. That branch gives it away.

joedlh wrote in post #8648716
The snow leopard is one for the one-that-got-away file. It's too bad that they were sleeping. The harbor seal is a cute shot. The refraction of his body under the water sure makes him look like a healthy chubber. The gorilla shot could use less exposure. His fur is close to black, isn't it? It may just be me, but the branch edge that was obviously cut with a saw takes away from the shot. When taking zoo shots, the goal is to make it appear that the critter is not in the zoo. That branch gives it away.

So, I dont think it needs less exposure. The branch shows blacks being clipped just enough. Gorillas I have seen are usually not completely black; tones look good to me in this image.

Also, a question, gorillas have never lived in places where humans have cut/sawed/hacked some trees?

The gorilla shot is the best of the bunch in my opinion.

All are very nice. Well done!

I like the second one. The seal looks very plump and content with itself.
Number three looks a bit noisy.

The "Gorilla" looks like a chimp to me.
Reminds me of a 3rd cousin.

I like the seal, he reminds me of those Weeble people...

Thanks for the comments everyone. I don't think the gorilla is over-exposed, but it does seem a little flat to me, compared to the other two. Perhaps a bump in contrast?

Maybe, but the picture and the subject itself is taken very well. I prefer the Gorilla one, the Leopard one is..No action, just a head and the colours. The seal looks huge cause of the reflection, but you took the picture at the right moment. Good luck with it!

the seal is my favorite pic. were you using a CPF to cut down on glare? i have the same lens and can't wait for a free weekend to take it to the zoo!

WaFp wrote in post #8657849
the seal is my favorite pic. were you using a CPF to cut down on glare? i have the same lens and can't wait for a free weekend to take it to the zoo!

Yes, B&W CPL. And thanks for the comments eveyone.

DAMphyne wrote in post #8655447
The "Gorilla" looks like a chimp to me.
Reminds me of a 3rd cousin.

Hmmmm....like Chuck said, it's a "Damn dirty ape!"

Those all look great. Especially the expression on the last 2.

IanBMW wrote in post #8676532
Those all look great. Especially the expression on the last 2.

Thanks, Ian!

I like the seal best, it needs a crop tho, a nice square frame that focusses on his head as its an interesting expression on his face, i dont think you need all of his body in the frame.