Need Advice

Sorry to be away from the forum for some time, then come back and ask for help first thing. But I really do need some help in deciding something.

Since I started shooting (been a little over 5 years now), I haven't really pursued getting my images published. However, I do feel like my photography is finally at a place where I can at least be competitive with other photographers (for local or smaller publications) and be considered for print.

I have an opportunity to make this happen and can only submit 5 shots for a certain publication. Problem is since I have never really been down this path; what do I send? So I did email the associate editor asking if they get too many shots of certain types and could she provide me more detail of what might get more consideration. In short, here is what she said:
"The photos that stand out to us (no matter what the animal) are the ones where you get a sense of the animal's personality and see the life in its eyes. A funny look, interaction with each other, something that you don't normally see. She also stated' "things that look totally bizarre also catch our attention."

I compiled several shots and so far have narrowed it down to 15, but I am having a very hard time narrowing it down to 5. I did include a couple which didn't really seem to fit what she said, but think they are exceptional enough images to be considered. What I am asking is, if anyone would like to help give me some advice, here is a link to the 15 shots and please tell me your top 5. Any help is GREATLY appreciated! http://www.kurtbowmanphoto.com/Art/Magazine-Submissions/32217329_tn2mqn#!i=2801424563&k=J9KpD2k

I couldn't think of a better group to ask.

Thanks in advance,
Kurt

I am adding another image (my wonderful Smugmug account doesn't seem to want to display this one after loading it several times)

Hi Kurt,
Always tough to 'judge' your own work. My suggestion is to: 1) review your top 15 in deep detail (blow up as big as you can to examine detail). You'll find that there are some that aren't as detailed as you thought they were, so you can toss those. 2) Once you do Step#1, review the remaining and go with your gut...the ones that truly inspired you and you feel are your absolute best.

Good luck!!!

" However, I do feel like my photography is finally at a place where I can at least be competitive with other photographers (for local or smaller publications) and be considered for print."

Heck, we've all known this for some tiime, Kurt! Welcome to the club.
Glad you laid out some parameters there, because these are all stellar! Having five images of the same bird actually helps, as I'll just choose one of those.'Bizarre' and 'A funny look, interaction with each other, something that you don't normally see' helps, too. With that in mind...

#5-Disheveled bird with insect.
#6-Ninja prairie dogs.
#7-Heron (egret?) ballet.
#10-Barn swallow feeding.
#14-Marmot yelp.

Those have the qualities that your judge seeks, IMO.
Tough choices still and especially hard to discount the elk and coyote, but I'm stickin' to 'em.
Best of luck with your entries and I hope you keep submitting your work far and wide. It deserves a wide audience.

My favorites were 1, 5, 6, 7, & 10 for the reason the editor mentioned, they illicit an emotion or response more than the others. All are great images, these add that extra bit of something to the technical excellence. Best of luck to you!

As usual, Mr. Mumaw is dead on. With the qualifications from the associate editor, these fit the bill perfectly. But, I also like that Pika shot a lot.

Favs are:

Elk
#7
#12

5, 6, 7, 10 and 11 (I really like bull elk images), but for cute 1)

Ditto with John, 5, 6, 7, 10 & 14, and an honorable mention for #1 because of getting that fella with a stuffed mouth and right smack in the image is a riot.

Thanks for the advice everyone. John, thanks for he kind words.
So far the consensus on the first four seems to be 5, 6, 7 and 10. That is good especially because the three I was pretty decided upon already were 5,7 and 10. The last two have been the most difficult. For the fourth and fifth image, I was going back and forth between several images.

One other thing I should note. She did also confirm for me the shot which gets submitted the most is of Elk Bugling. I would have already chosen that one if it wasn't for that comment from her. However, I still have it in the mix, because I think it is a unique Elk shot with the fog, hint of aspen color in the BG and the frost on the ground. Those conditions don't come together very often. But, I can always send that one in later for a different issue of the magazine.

Thanks again everyone. I am going to wait a day or two more before sending them in, so any other advice is completely appreciated!

1, 5, 6, 10, 14 are my picks, but you can't go wrong with 7 either. Good luck!

Sorry Kurt, I was out of town until last night. You are an awesome photographer and every time I look at your images I am mesmerized! I would go with 5, 6, 7, 10 and 15....number 7 has such a personality that it is a clear winner in my opinion!!

i like 1, 6, 10, 13, and 14.

Thanks again everyone for the advice and help. I finally sent in the five shots. I decided to go with 1,5,6,10 and 11. Even though she said they get a lot of bugling elk shots I think this one is unique with the fog and dew conditions. It was clear after I heard form everyone that 5,6 and 10 were a must. Again thank you!

1,5,7,10,11 in that order