Matt,

The shade v/s sun for japanese maples is a delicate balance. A little too much of either will prevent the maples from reaching their full potential.
Since your maples are in containers, you have the option to try the different area out without actually planting them in the ground. Keep them in the containers for a year and move them around till you get a spot that suits them really well, and then you can plant them there. Belive me, its a lot easier than having to move them once you plant them. Watch for amount of sun, intensity of sunlight, and most importantly wind.

xman

Yea, I have thought of that but if I put 2 nice JM's in the front yard in containers then they might be stolen. I may plant a couple in the front yard and see what happens leaving the back and side yard ones in containers.