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For Alex:
Hopefully none of this sounds too rude, but you know me I say like I see 
1. What do you like of their PF (if you do)?
Variety - though mostly nature there is a good variety of species
2. What do you think is lacking in their PF?
This is a difficult one - but for me there is a lack of style. Not meaning to be rude, but I'm not really seeing a progression of thought processes to go from shooting animals in their captive state, to maybe saying something about that environment, or trying to hide the environment. Now this could be a misinterpretation of Alex's style, desired message as neither of the above may be his intention.
3. How do you think they can improve their PF?
More creativity - a lot look like happenstance - it was there in front of me so I photographed it.
4. What do you like to see in their PF?
Some direction to either document zoo life or peoples interaction with it. Both of which could be a powerful message. I don't want to suggest other subjects as there is nothing wrong with specialising in a field.
5. Whose work would you recommend them to have a look at (if you know any)?
Difficult to say without knowing what Alex wants to achieve for himself in his work - but if he wants to document life in a zoo more, or look at the consequences then the work of Pete Cairns and Mark Hamblin in Tooth and Claw which looks at mans interaction with predators could provide inspiration.
If just wanting a more imaginative style, then maybe Steve Bloom, but not necessarily wanting to use PS for the results. If not wanting PS then there are many Scandinavian photographers using slow shutter speeds and the like.
But I think to really suggest people I would need to understand more about what Alex wants to say with his work.
Off to hide now before Alex sends the boys around
Pray that I never find out where you live else you will never have a free moment again if I find you! *
Honestly though I do agree that there is somewhat of a lack of forethought to my work in its current state. I approached zoo shooting mostly as I just didn't have time nor any idea what to do in the wilderness with getting anything but the odd grabshot of a heron or swan. So I sort of gravitated to wildlife centres and the like - and I seem to have developed a taste for what others have said is more portrait work with animals - I do like getting in close to the shots when I can so it does somewhat limit showing the surroundings - though more recently I have been trying to include them more.
Longterm I really want to get out in the field more which is probably why I have not really thought of developing the zoo work beyond basic grabshots and simpler compositions around portraits. Hoping to get into Cumbria universities wildlife and media course if I can this year or next year (late applying for this years seats). But it might be worth taking a more creative eye to my zoo work first - I will check out the names you have mentioned
Thanks! 
I'd love to join in but unfortunately have very limited time at the moment.
How about making it a sticky thread?
Ian
Quote: I've already done one and would close the circle - sorry
As Pete said, I don't think it matters as well, Ade.
After all, everyone would have different C&C to one's PF.
Quote: How about making it a sticky thread?
I don't have glue...
So, someone continue the thread by C&C on Cheryl's please...
ok - got a meeting in a moment but will give it a go...
thing is, bird photography does nothing for me, so how objective can I be
Quote: Hehe, can't wait to see it, Ade.
....I'm sure someone will beat me to it, got a 2 hour meeting now 
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