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A cropped photo of a tiger at the National Zoo using a T1i and 55-250 lens.

Looking for suggestions about whether or not this photo would benefit from

crop and burn, if it's underexposed, and any other general comments.

Nice pose and catch! Although the cat looks to be in sharp focus, parts of the image look hazy.. was this shot through glass? I'd suggest drastically cropping from the right, and a bit from the top and maybe even the bottom. The tiger is the subject and needs to be "in your face". Right now the green leaves look as important as the tiger... I like the soft lighting, it offers possibilities for spicing up the image if you so wish. Good!

I agree with Indraneel about aspects of this image appearing blurred. I like the space provided to the left. I'm guessing getting in the enclosure for a head on shot was out of the question! :)

I took this shot at 250mm and what you're seeing is fairly cropped already. I did try cropping away everything away but the tiger and it looks fairly good.  I wasn't shooting through glass - I think it's mainly about trying to handhold a shot at that focal length.  I did brace both elbows on a concrete wall, but no doubt a tripod and a longer lens would have helped here!  And thanks for your feedback.

You cropped even more than I would, excellent! Now, since the cat's not looking at us, you can go ahead and spice up the shot... increased contrast, remove yellow color cast etc.. It's a fairly strong image now!

Even though you've cropped a lot on this image, these exercises give one an idea of what one is really after... so next time you compose or buy a lens, you'll know what you're looking for. That is experience, and this is how it comes. And this image may be too small to print, but it's great for a digital photo frame. Also, it's better to use a pocket tripod or bean bag on a concrete wall, than elbows, but this shot really is sharp... it's only strangely hazy at some spots, like the tiger's back.