Christmas decor!

[kasha]

shutter: 1/6 sec. (no tripod)
f-stop: 5.3
focal length: 42 mm
Exposure bias: +2
White balance: manual (adjusted flash setting to add red tint)
Program: shutter priority
Camera: Nikon D60

never used a macro setting but this category is what i figured it was most suited for.

So, Christmas is coming and I've been trying to catch those Christmas-ee details! I took a bunch of photos like this one but this is one of my favorites out of the bunch. I've been looking at them too long to judge accurately so I need a second opinion! I was wondering about the exposure.. is it too underexposed to the left of the picture opposed to the right? maybe that's not it, there's something about it I can't quite put my finger on! Please give me any and all opinions/tips in mind. Thanks!

[kasha]

forgot to mention about the flash!
Fash used in rear sync mode .. -3.0

(This is the first time I experimented with flash this way so it could very well have to do with that)

[amberskies]

standard disclaimer: I'm not an expert, just a beginner.

The white fuzzy light draws my eye away from the string that is meant to be the focus... I think its position reduces it a bit and the bright white spot is competition.

I think the exposure is fine, sets the desired mood.

[pbailey68]

I think the exposure is just right. I agree that the white light in the lower center is distracting, maybe you could change your point-of-view a little and recompose, or possibly clone it out in post-processing

The left-hand row of beads is a little soft, probably the result of hand-holding at 1/6 second. Correct for these two issues and you would have a perfect image, at least IMHO.

[kasha]

thanks guys! i will give it another shot