Ostrich HDR

You don't see close up shots of ostriches very often. I think they are really cool birds. Their faces have this scary look but at the same time there's something I can't not love about them. I like this shot!

The depth of field is pretty surprising at F8 but those trees must have been off a bit but then again the shutter speed may have helped with that. The focus is on point on the main part of the head but the beak is off slightly (but that's probably why you shot it F8) Maybe next time a slower shutter speed with a higher F stop to bring everything into focus. You might lose depth of field but if the tree's far enough back it might not be effected too much.

I like the break in the leaves as well, offering a little difference and changing things up in the background just enough. Be mindful of this because I've seen some people go nuts over something so small claiming "it draws the eye" but it's a soft touch here and I like the way it balances out the right side of the photo.

The sky color is great. Not too light and not too dark. Including that definitely brings out the head of the ostrich.

My "issues" so to say is the composition of the head and the reflection of you in the eye. There's not much we can do about reflections in situations like this. If you try to cover it up in post, the eye could potentially be destroyed with the lighting being the way it is. I know it would be tough so it's not a bad thing but be mindful in other shots. They are tricky and I'm learning more and more about them and I know it's tough. Just a little note.

As for the head's composition... I don't know if you were looking to include some of the neck and cut the fine hairs/feathers off intentionally or you didn't notice that through the view finder until later (or until just now). It's not a big ding but getting it all in the shot is preferred by most critics unless you had a specific goal by excluding it.

Overall tho, I really do love the photo but I wanted to point a few things out that I noticed and I'm working on improving in my work. Hopefully this isn't taken too hard because we're all (well, most of us) here to share, learn, and grow as artists, especially when it comes to asking for critiques. Great shot and I can't wait to see more!!