4 Heron Pictures - Which One(s) Do You Like The Best???

[Jewel]

These were all taken today at Cocoa Beach Golf Course. I had also been canoeing in the morning with my husband, but wasn't able to get nearly as close as I can at the golf course. The herons are simply more "tame" there and you can get so much closer.
http://images.fotopic.net/?id=5635602&outx=980&oq=0
http://images.fotopic.net/?id=5635601&outx=980&oq=0
http://images.fotopic.net/?id=5635600&outx=980&oq=0
http://images.fotopic.net/?id=5635599&outx=980&oq=0

I am wanting to enter an Indian River Lagoon photo contest and all of these would quality because of where they were taken.

So tell me which one(s) you like the best, why, and if there is anything I can do to improve them.

Jewel

[CyberDyneSystems]

... wow..

1, 3, and 4 in that order I think.. definatley the first one is supreme! :)

The out of focus plantlife in the foreground makes it interesting.. as it doesn't block anything important.. I think it's the eyes that make it "the one"

But the 4th image is really fantastic too... the color of the weed etc.. it's too bad the underside of the heron ended up so dark.. this is a hazard of mid day sunlight.

Great shots!

[SoCal69]

I like the first one the best.

[vafa]

The 1st one is my favorite. The 3rd one may get better by some color enhancment by PS.
The second and fourth ones suffer pose instablity , I do not like them, though by some harsh cropping may come into life.
vafa

[Meerkat17]

I'm afraid I'll have to go for the first too - its the great classic pose of that bird which it does it for me every time I see a picture.

I like the others too but none beat the first IMO. Great shot.

David

[Sendide]

First by far, I love the composition (not hte calssical central position) and also the contrast
regards
Kh

[Rob Beltman]

Indeed the first is the best, although I like the dynamics in the second one, the harsh foreground kind of hurts the eyes.

Especially great about the first one;
- Heron looks into the picture
- twigs and bushes in front suggest 'sneaking up' to take the shot
- Attention drawn to the neck and head of the heron.

Lovely pictures!

[Warman]

for me third hits the spot. I dont like the first because the out of focus foreground distracts me.

[OviV]

Wow Jewel,

You are getting really good at this. I like the first one too. You need to come down South Florida (America :) ) and go shoot with me one of these days.

Ovi

[Claire]

I like 1, 3, 4. The third one could be lightened and such to make it nicer. Otherwise I root for 1.

[LaurentiuB]

I prefer 1 like it is, 3 and 4 are also nice, but they are to bright for me.