Thanks for the comments. Interesting choice of favorite as that was is my favorite as well but I didn't figure anyone else would like it.
No, I wasn't using a right angle view finder just basically chin right on the ground for the first 3. I've looked into a right angle finder but am pretty much set up to feed live-view to a tablet now. I'm just trying to rig something more robust and water resistant with a sunshade for the tablet. It remains to be seen how well I will like carrying the extra bits of equipment.
I enjoy this type of shot but find it very difficult to get a clean composition.
If you enjoy #3 perhaps you will like this shot.
Chuck