I like all of these as individual shots, but I see your point in that they don't quite seem to tell the story you're going for.

I think what I don't like so much about the second set is it looks too burlesque for the story you're trying to tell...

To me it isn't the setting for that to unfold. It's the setting where it begins, maybe, but carries on somewhere else after work. I may be totally off base though... I'm not an art critic by trade... I just shit on people for sport ;P

BUT I !ENGAGE with !LUV and !PIZZA so many tolerate me as a fair trade. 😁

Also, I agree completely about the Header. That's a beautiful photo. It does pop with the energy you described. They look like they really are having a great time.