just a few thoughts on some beautiful flowers: On # 1, open up the aperature to keep the background out of focus and step back a little so you don't cut off the part of the bird of paradise on the left. I don't think that # 4 looks blurry, just feathery. and # 5 is cool, but it would have been nice to get a better back ground than the window sill... but maybe they don't let you rearrange their stuff at the Biltmore?
I think they are both wonderful. The out of focus background helps to bring forward your subjects. the only other thing I try to do with animals would be, try to get a catch light in the eyes. Also shooting early or late in the day would make the colors less washed out. gotta love a zoo.
Love # 1 in b&w... # 2 makes more sense in color. nicely done.