BrentHarder Loc: Southern California

Our photography instructor wanted each student to submit our best photo for critique. I have a folder labeled "my best photos" and went to that to select one. It was difficult but I came out with one. I'm including my favorite in these ten finalist photos. I'm curious if you have a favorite amongst these ten and if my choice is the same as yours.
They all look best in download mode.

1

(Download)

2

(Download)

3

(Download)

4

(Download)

5

(Download)

6

(Download)

7

(Download)

8

(Download)

9

(Download)

10

(Download)

Floyd Loc: Misplaced Texan in Florence, Alabama

Brent
They are all properly labeled, in my opinion, as great;however, I've never yet entered a contest, but watching and learning from you and others on this site for nearly 10 years, do the judges have identifiable preferences? If so, I'd pick #1 for Sports action; #2 for Landscape; and #5 for portraits.

yorkiebyte Loc: Scottsdale, AZ/Bandon by the Sea, OR

Wait.... What? You have an Instructor? And you are the Student? Come on now... You need to Instruct your own class. Good grief... Your images are crazy good.
....and not a BIF, flower, or insect in site as is the UHH norm!!
Sorry, I can't critique your work... Way above my pay level. And I've trained in the critique of images.
Dang!! (Well, at least the one with the purple lines I would eliminate. The image of the surfer with the smile stands out for me... Just my opinion.)

OutBack Loc: North Central Florida

Sorry, I like 5, 6 but the abstract presentation of number 10 is so absolutely wonderful; I am impressed. This statement comes from a man who took his first photo with a Brownie 325 at age six and still shoots nearing seventy!

BrentHarder Loc: Southern California

Floyd, you are to kind with your thoughts on these photos. Thanks!
You also are right about different categories of photos in one contest. I must also add that the judges of each contest have definite likes and dislikes and styles of photos that tickle their fancy. I've been on both ends of the judges likes and dislikes. It's very "personal preference" swayed. Thanks for your thoughts on this.

BrentHarder Loc: Southern California

Hahahahahahaaaaa........Yeah, I have an instructor and other classmates. We don't always agree with the instructor but hey, that's ok because everyone has their own opinion and rightfully so. Thank you so very much for all the nice things you have said about the photos. I tried to share a wide variety of images that range from whimsical to serious. I know not everyone would like the image with the purple lines........but I'm sure someone out there would enjoy it. The images are as different as we are as people and opinions.
I think you must have read one of my comments in the past where I addressed "BIF, flower, or insect in site as is the UHH norm". I would hope that my photos help inspire my fellow UHH friends and promotes us to unleash our creative side.

BrentHarder Loc: Southern California

OutBack, there is no need to be "sorry".......you like everyone else has a right to their own opinion. Thanks for appreciating #10. I know that image is not for "everyone" but I'm happy that you enjoy it.
Do you still have your Brownie 325??!?!?!

Drip Dry McFleye

2 & 5 without hesitation.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

#6

CindyHouk Loc: Nw MT

#2 is my favorite...let us know which one you submit!

Quixdraw Loc: x

Never seen anything but fine photos from you. Reading the Judges preferences is the key. Any one of these ten is a contender most places. As to taking a class, great that you can do it. For things I've been doing a very long time and have developed some competence, I can't. Too much theory from folks who often don't have much practice. I also like the surfer with the grin a lot, but what the judges have liked in the past is the key. A funny sideline, one of the few contests I entered, I took second. The winner got a 4x5 on the cover and a few more dollars. I got the centerfold. I do believe I won that one! Best of luck!

ahudina Loc: Browns Point, WA

I have to go with #2. I always enjoy your surfer shots and like that you have incorporated a surfer into this really nice wavescape.

jim quist Loc: Missouri

#8 because of the texture and color of the water and his facial expression

NMGal Loc: NE NM

I like 2, 5 and 7. Just because.

Curmudgeon Loc: SE Arizona

You don't make things easy Brent. Probably because I equate you with surfing shots I am torn between No. 2 and No. 8. I am going to go with No. 8 and take a guess that your favorite is No. 5