Last week I conducted a poll to see which of my four recent photo contest entries was your favorite image and the fox came out on top with 43 percent, followed by the bluebird (28 %), the eagle 18 %), and the dragonfly (11 %). Thanks to all of you who voted and especially to those who left comments about your choice. I was intrigued, but not surprised, by the fact that the favorite of the readers—the fox— was different from the choice of the contest judge—the dragonfly.
Several readers commented, however, that the particular image of the Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) that I used was not their favorite one. I had previously done three postings from the magical encounter with the fox and one of the other shots seemed to speak to some readers more than the one I submitted for the contest.
So I am seeking your views again by reprising all of the fox photos and asking you to vote for your favorite. Do you prefer the fox standing up or leaning over the water? Do you like it more when the fox is looking directly at you or at an angle? Does it make a difference if the fox’s bushy tail is visible? I realize that it may not be easy to narrow your choice down to a single image, so I have tried to set up the poll to permit multiple choices.
If I have set this up correctly, you can click on any image and scroll through each of them in full size. After viewing them all, select your favorite (or favorites) and register your vote. I’d be really happy if you left a few words about your choice. NOTE: If you open the posting in Reader, you may need to click on the Title to get to the poll and to actual posting in which you can scroll through the photos in larger size as a kind of slide show.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
I like #4. He looked happy and playful.
Thanks, Jean. In almost all of the other photos, the fox looks very intense and focused. You chose the only shot in which the fox seems totally relaxed and happy–it’s one of my favorites, because it captures the personality of the fox.
What an awesome photo op to be there at the right time he appeared. All are beautiful! I picked #5 but it was hard to pick a best. 🙂
Thanks. I was amazed when the fox came out of the vegetation and I was already in a good shooting position, across the beaver pond. The light was beautiful and the fox seemed unaware of my presence. It was probably a once-in-a-lifetime kind of experience and I was happy to be able to get so many wonderful shots in a variety of poses.
It was a tough choice between the low angle and engaging eyes of #2 and the curved posture and interesting body angles of #6 but in the end that was the one I voted for.
I’m actually torn. My first reaction was to the fox bent over with his full tail showing. But #2 bent over looks like he’s drinking among the Crocodiles. And then there’s the one of the playful fox dashing down to the water, almost skipping! So playful and unusual. In the end, I chose #1.
I’m actually still haunted by the soulful eyes of the Manger dog!
I like the ones with nice reflections. Torn between S-Curve and the final one with him looking in. They are all great photos Mike, this wasn’t easy.
S curve is my favorite.. I thought it was the best composed.
All fabulous photos but if I had to pick one it would be #5 with the S-curve a very close second.
I voted for #1, but #4 is a close second favourite. This was a really hard choice Mike, as this series was superb.
Decided to look for narrative…engagement in environment…composition…chose 9. Grateful for this opportunity, Mike.
S curve seems to speak to me so I stayed with that one.
Thanks, Allen. That shot seems to be combine artistic and technical elements in an optimal mix–a lot of folks really like it, though I’m learning that others are attracted to the other images because of their personal preferences. One of the coolest things about photography is the way that it provides for such a wide range of tastes.
Too hard — I can’t choose just one. I think if I had a wonderful series like this, I would be tempted to print several (4-5) of them and then hang them in a group on some wall. Together, they would give a nice sense of the action.
Thanks, Sue. I hadn’t thought about the idea of putting together a group of shots. I gave a couple of framed prints of one of the images (the S curve) as Christmas gifts and they were really well received.
Great idea!
Did you hear about the bandit fox that hangs out at the Monarch Bay Golf Course in San Leandro, CA?
Wow. Does the fox think the golf ball is an egg?
Could be, one of the local news shows did a segment on the fox. He also like to raid golf carts for food and cell phones, not sure why he takes cell phones.
A beautiful set Mike, No/ 9 … Looking at reflection is my favourite from this excellent set.