Did I do well with The Shell?

[JaxD]

While waiting for the rain to stop and desperate to shoot something, I started messing around with my daughter's shell collection. My hubby really likes this one but as a newbie, I'd really like some critique on my composition. Is it too 'busy' or does it work? I used a variety of aperture's but actually preferred the depth of field in this one to one with a narrower DOF. Any other helpful comments would be very welcome as I continue my journey up the learning curve..



EXIF Data:
ISO: 400
SS: 1/50
Aperture: f/22
Focal length: 50mm
Manual
Flash: Fired - Bounced off ceiling and some ambient light from window on left of shot.

[Sime]

Obviously just my opinion, I think the whole image is a little busy.. maybe a bit of "dodging and burning" to bring the main shell out and drop the background down a little. keep your attention on the main shell.

just a little.

Hope that helps! and thank you for sharing.

Sime

[Eileen D]

I agree with Sime on this one, Jax. I like the tones and the textures but my eye has trouble finding a place to rest for a bit. The subject is interesting so perhaps worth another try with a bit of a clearer focus.

[sk66]

I agree..too busy and my eye doesn't focus on "the subject".

I did a quick edit: duplicated the layer, heavy blur and then erased (the subject) from the blur layer and changed mode to multiply. I think the difference is huge. (you could probably do a much better job...I was very sloppy)

[JaxD]

Thank you all so much for your helpful comments and sk66, for your edit. I really appreciate you taking the time to help me learn..