Leaving Home-critique

[Original Moments by aj]

Hey everyone, So, this is tech. my first macro post on this site- the photo isn't what I would consider to be macro, but simply a close up.. but posting in 'other' doesn't seem to get me much feedback.

So, this image is actually from the first fall I was photographing ( so for about 2 months), so some details I now look back at it and wish I had known more, but I guess that's all part of the great wonder that is photography.

Taking into consideration that I do not do Post Processing on my freelance work, I was hoping I could get a little input on this one.

Do you think that the image works even though its very light?
Does the softness of the image still give it some character? ( like that there is a childish frame of mind, the fear of leaving, but the gentle nudge to go on)

The whole concept is basic, it was the first milkweed photograph I did,and I felt like the seedling was the first to leave home ( because the pod had just cracked) and I was hoping to capture that feeling of.. hesitant,but coming freedom) especially with the shell being so jagged and the seedling having such a soft wisp to it.


Camera: Canon EOS Rebel XSi
Lens: 70-200mm
ISo: 1600
Focal Length: 155mm
Exposure Compensation: +1
Aperture: f/ 4
Shutter Speed: 1/ 4000

^^^^^ I'm aware my settings are overly high for the image, so that needn't be pointed out.