I can't choose, HELP!!!!

HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
edited July 10, 2006 in Wildlife
Hi y'all,

Its that time for me to choose my entries for the St. Augustine's Alligator Farm's annual photo contest. This year there will be twelve winners for a calendar. One of the goals of the project is to educate and bring awareness of wading bird conservation. Each photographer can enter 5 pictures.

I started out with 470 possibilities which I cut down to forty, then 17 and now I'm really stuck.The one shot I'm definitely submitting is this one #1
79053437-L.jpg

I want to enter a shot showing nest building so my two possibilities are
#2
79053431-L.jpg
#3
79053429-L.jpg

I want to enter one feeding shot and here are the two I'm considering
#4
79053428-L.jpg
#5
79053444-L.jpg

I like to enter a "portrait" type of shot
#6
79053433-L.jpg
#7
79053443-L.jpg

I also want a chick shot
#8
79053442-L.jpg
#9
79053439-L.jpg

and too make it worse I kind of like these shots too
#10
79053434-L.jpg
#11
79053446-L.jpg
#12
79053438-L.jpg
#13
79053440-L.jpg

I apopolgize for so many pics. Any thoughts you have are greatly appreciated.
Harry
http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
«1

Comments

  • bfjrbfjr Registered Users Posts: 10,980 Major grins
    edited July 2, 2006
    Yeah you got a problem allright!! :wow

    Just wish I had that problem :cry

    As far as helping, you bet, but give me some time to look at a few times.
    Really are all splendid images and that for sure makes it tough to choose.

    I'll be back (use your best terminator voice :D)
    Benjamin
    My Galleries
    Flicker
    G+
  • Brooks PBrooks P Registered Users Posts: 190 Major grins
    edited July 2, 2006
    You want to trade problems? I might even throw in a little sweetener, but I'll promise you one thing, I'll be getting the better part of the deal.
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited July 2, 2006
    bfjr wrote:
    As far as helping, you bet, but give me some time to look at a few times.
    Really are all splendid images and that for sure makes it tough to choose.

    I'll be back (use your best terminator voice :D)

    That sounds OK just so long as you're not charging by the hour. :D
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • AndyAndy Registered Users Posts: 50,016 Major grins
    edited July 2, 2006
    I didn't even have to wait for all the photos to load.

    #1.
    Andy

    Portfolio • Workshops • Facebook • Twitter
  • Brooks PBrooks P Registered Users Posts: 190 Major grins
    edited July 2, 2006
    Wait just one minute, are you sure you are the same Harry that used to hang out on the STF, the guy who used to go into NYC with Andy? You sure never used to show pictures like these.
  • Osprey WhispererOsprey Whisperer Registered Users Posts: 3,803 Major grins
    edited July 2, 2006
    Nice set of shots Harry. I always have trouble picking my own shots. Guess maybe I'm too close to them. Not sure these are your best..but of these ...hmmm top 5 eh.

    Ok.. in no particular order. I like these the best.

    1 (have no choice it seems lol)

    3

    11

    9

    5

    Do the shots have to be taken at the park...or any bird that is found there..or what? Just curious. I notice a lot of contests lately becoming very specific about the type of birds for entry.

    Good luck Harry.


    updated addition: I checked out the Farm's photo contest rules. Ouch..what a crock..hehehe no pun intended..well maybe a little. So..you have to buy a photo pass for $60 to enter...then they reserve the rights to your image for their money making adventures. How nice of them. Hose you coming and going. May the alligators eat them for lunch. Laughing.gif
    Mike McCarthy

    "Osprey Whisperer"

    OspreyWhisperer.com
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited July 2, 2006
    Brooks P wrote:
    Wait just one minute, are you sure you are the same Harry that used to hang out on the STF, the guy who used to go into NYC with Andy? You sure never used to show pictures like these.

    When I shot with Andy I was limited to shooting food, inside of Starbuck Coffee shops, and embarrassing shots of Andy. Now that I'm in Florida I can spread out a bit. rolleyes1.gif
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • DanielBDanielB Registered Users Posts: 2,362 Major grins
    edited July 2, 2006
    i say 12 or 13thumb.gif
    Daniel Bauer
    smugmug: www.StandOutphoto.smugmug.com

  • XtopherousXtopherous Registered Users Posts: 45 Big grins
    edited July 2, 2006
    My 5 favorites are 1, 2, 5, 7 and 13.



    Those are all prime numbers... weird.
  • livinginozlivinginoz Registered Users Posts: 497 Major grins
    edited July 2, 2006
    <-------selling my camera


    wow, number 1 is awesome........
    laurie in rural minnesota

    my stuff
  • Brooks PBrooks P Registered Users Posts: 190 Major grins
    edited July 2, 2006
    Harryb wrote:
    When I shot with Andy I was limited to shooting food, inside of Starbuck Coffee shops, and embarrassing shots of Andy. Now that I'm in Florida I can spread out a bit. rolleyes1.gif

    Oh yeah, your that Harry alright. Boy, do I remember those shots of Andy (and food, and Andy & food). Yeah, now that you've jogged my memory, I can see how the birds of Florida couldn't help but improve your photographic capabilities.
  • AndyAndy Registered Users Posts: 50,016 Major grins
    edited July 2, 2006
    Brooks P wrote:
    Oh yeah, your that Harry alright. Boy, do I remember those shots of Andy (and food, and Andy & food). Yeah, now that you've jogged my memory, I can see how the birds of Florida couldn't help but improve your photographic capabilities.
    wave.gif Hi Brooks

    Yep, Old Harry's now in the land of dinner at 4pm, and here he is, in his element:

    58180278-L.jpg
    Andy

    Portfolio • Workshops • Facebook • Twitter
  • AnsonAnson Registered Users Posts: 207 Major grins
    edited July 2, 2006
    Wow! they are fabulous
    It is not hard to see why you are going with #1 ...wowzer!

    >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

    #2 shows the bird hard at work pushing against gravity, straining that neck before he gets into full flight with the twig...

    #3 full flight...spectacular shot of the bird

    It was a barn burner, I had an extremely difficult time with this choice and in the end, #3 won my vote of a margin of 51 votes to 49 votes.

    >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

    AGAIN, really difficult, in the end I went with #4 as I found it ever so slightly more appealing (eye catching).... as in brighter, for me the green in #5 is a tad overpowering, comparatively speaking ..that is!

    >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

    easy.... #6 ...prehistoric or what, they do not look real...AWESOME!


    >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>


    ...this last choice is crazy, I narrowed it down to #8-#9-#13 (only because I am staying with your chick theme) ...in the end, with an ever so slighlt margin for #13
    (#11 is pretty crazy (love it) love the color of the bird, love the action/dance ..but many may not know that it is a chick..I would not have known this)


    >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>


    Harry, God they are so GOOD.

    I WILL BE SHOCKED IF YOU DO NOT END UP IN THE CALENDER MORE THAN ONCE...
    I mean really, how could a persons photographs be any better than this!
  • Brooks PBrooks P Registered Users Posts: 190 Major grins
    edited July 2, 2006
    Andy wrote:
    wave.gif Hi Brooks

    Yep, Old Harry's now in the land of dinner at 4pm, and here he is, in his element:

    58180278-L.jpg

    Still photographing his better side I see. Even in the Florida marsh land, among all those birds, he still looks like he belongs on the streets of NYC. What's that old saying, "you can take the man out of NYC, but you can't take NYC out of the man"? Well nothing personal Andy but I like his pictures of the birds more than I liked his pictures of you.
  • Dick on ArubaDick on Aruba Registered Users Posts: 3,484 Major grins
    edited July 2, 2006
    With by back to the wall I have to choose 3, 6, 7, 9 and 11

    Dick.
    "Nothing sharpens sight like envy."
    Thomas Fuller.

    SmugMug account.
    Website.
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited July 2, 2006
    Andy wrote:
    wave.gif Hi Brooks

    Yep, Old Harry's now in the land of dinner at 4pm, and here he is, in his element:

    58180278-L.jpg

    I can count on Andy to always capture my best side. biggrinbounce2.gif
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • ebwestebwest Registered Users Posts: 416 Major grins
    edited July 2, 2006
    1,5,6,9,11

    Gotta love #6
    E.B.

    http://ebinfl.smugmug.com/
  • bfjrbfjr Registered Users Posts: 10,980 Major grins
    edited July 2, 2006
    I'm baccccckkkkkkk rolleyes1.gif :uhoh

    #3
    #5
    #6
    #12
    + of course #1
    Benjamin
    My Galleries
    Flicker
    G+
  • raptorcaptorraptorcaptor Registered Users Posts: 3,968 Major grins
    edited July 3, 2006
    Hi Harry, My favorites in this series are:
    1 2 4 7 9
    and I could switch out 7 for 10 (but that would leave you with too many egret shots)
    Glenn

    My website | NANPA Member
  • wolfieswolfies Registered Users Posts: 152 Major grins
    edited July 3, 2006
    Harry,

    Great set and I wish I had the same problem as you do I sure do feel for you.

    Your right 1 is a must

    Out of #2 and 3, 2 is nice but 3 is the better on in my view more crisp and the eye just makes the photo pop.

    From 4 and 5 I like 4 better less distractions but for entering I would say 11 is a better picture

    If you wanted babies I would use 12 for the babies this shot is so nice

    And then 10

    So 1, 3, 11, 12, and 10

    They are all so nice like I said I wish I had your problems

    And when you figure it out let us know will you
    thanks,
    WWW.wolfies.smugmug.com
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited July 3, 2006
    bfjr wrote:
    I'm baccccckkkkkkk rolleyes1.gif :uhoh

    #3
    #5
    #6
    #12
    + of course #1

    took you long enough :D
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • jwearjwear Registered Users Posts: 8,013 Major grins
    edited July 3, 2006
    Andy wrote:
    I didn't even have to wait for all the photos to load.

    #1.
    that is a pick already please vote again :D
    Jeff W

    “PHOTOGRAPHY IS THE ‘JAZZ’ FOR THE EYES…”

    http://jwear.smugmug.com/
  • jwearjwear Registered Users Posts: 8,013 Major grins
    edited July 3, 2006
    9 and 10 this time thru you know best what the judges are looking for so your assignment if you chose to take it iseek7.gif pick well :D hard picking rolleyes1.gif nice shots thumb.gif oh yea did anyone say #1 was a winner rolleyes1.gif
    Jeff W

    “PHOTOGRAPHY IS THE ‘JAZZ’ FOR THE EYES…”

    http://jwear.smugmug.com/
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited July 3, 2006
    Brooks P wrote:
    Oh yeah, your that Harry alright. Boy, do I remember those shots of Andy (and food, and Andy & food). Yeah, now that you've jogged my memory, I can see how the birds of Florida couldn't help but improve your photographic capabilities.

    Those capabilites just happened to improve after I took Ron Reznick's training. His teachings really started my growth as a photographer.
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • Ric GrupeRic Grupe Registered Users Posts: 9,522 Major grins
    edited July 3, 2006
    Without loking at anyone elses replies.....my choices are numbers 1, 4, 11.

    1.....just a plain great shot

    11....most unusual and interesting

    4.....excellent light play
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited July 3, 2006
    jwear wrote:
    that is a pick already please vote again :D

    Please don't pick on the Andy. He does so much around here you can't expect him to read too. :lol4
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • StefStef Registered Users Posts: 225 Major grins
    edited July 3, 2006
    They are all great.. and one day I will be able to do that too! :D

    I say #9 is a must. I love it!
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited July 4, 2006
    jwear wrote:
    9 and 10 this time thru you know best what the judges are looking for so your assignment if you chose to take it iseek7.gif pick well :D hard picking rolleyes1.gif nice shots thumb.gif oh yea did anyone say #1 was a winner rolleyes1.gif

    Thanks for the innput Jeff. I hate selecting a pic for the rare occasions when I enter some contest. I figured I would ask for y'all's help. This way when I lose I can blame you guys for selecting the wrong shots. rolleyes1.gif
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • SeamusSeamus Registered Users Posts: 1,573 Major grins
    edited July 4, 2006
    1,3,5,6,9,11
    imho.
  • kdogkdog Administrators Posts: 11,681 moderator
    edited July 4, 2006
    Harry, it's nice having a thread with some of your best shots. They're all so good that it's very difficult to choose.

    I guess I'd have to go with 3, 5, 6, 12, along with 1.

    -joel
    Moderator of Landscapes forum
    Link to my Smugmug site
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