Sunbeams in St. Peter's Basilica

[NewGirl13]

I'd like some feedback on the composition and lighting/contrast in this photo.



Are the sunbeams at the top too blown out? One comment on Flickr said they'd like to see more contrast. Do you agree?

EXIF:
Exposure 0.02 sec (1/50)
Aperture f/5.6
Focal Length 49 mm
ISO Speed 800

[IABoomer]

I think if you added some fill lighting to bring out some of the details in the shadows, you might be able to bump the contrast up some more. Overall, I quite like the look and the tone of the image.

If I'm going to be picky, a step back, or a slight bit zoomed out so the top of the front arch on the right isn't cut off at the top of the frame might be a little better compositionally. If you can get away with it, shoot slightly wider when you're out. It's fairly easy and painless to crop in a slight bit tighter, but once you've cut it off in the capture, you can't get it back.