NOT HDR!!! Composition and processing

[Shutterbugdeb]

I used the paintbrush tool in PSE to try to give this a painted look. Do you think I achieved this? Also, is the composition pleasing? Finally, is the photo too dark?
Any advice about any aspect of this photo is appreciated.

Exif data
Camera Canon EOS 40D
Exposure 0.25 sec (1/4)
Aperture f/7.1
Focal Length 82 mm
ISO Speed 100
Exposure Bias 0 EV
Flash Off, Did not fire
Exposure Program Aperture-priority AE
Date and Time (Original) 2011:02:20 13:28:02.00-05:00
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[LeeR]

White eggs are among the most difficult things in photography to light properly. If your eggs are pure white in some area with shading to reveal their roundness then you have done well. Like a good omlette where the eggs have to be perfect to be good, this is well done.

Composition is a bit more difficult. I wouldn't call this bad, but it isn't blowing me over either. Now understand, still lifes are among the most challenging of all photographic disciplines. So much of it has to do with very subtle balances between shapes and spaces, colors and shading, line and texture. I strongly suggest you look at Xaomena's work on flickr. She is doing the best work I have seen in still life these days. I am inspired to try it myself every time I look at it.

[Shutterbugdeb]

Thank you, Lee. I took a look at the photographer and you're right. Those are amazing. I have lots to learn.

Thanks for taking the time to comment. I appreciate it.

[nagais]

To a novice's (that's me!) eyes, this looks vey nice.

I a not sure about the processsing technique you have used. I do see the "art fell" in the picture.

I am just not sure on how much the towel is adding to the composition.

[Shutterbugdeb]

Thanks, Nagais. I used Photoshop Elements 8 and chose the paintbrush tools. After I selected which color to use, the size & softness of the brush, and the opacity, I used the mouse to "paint" on the photograph. I always paint on a duplicate layer of the photograph so if I mess up too much, I can just delete the layer.

I wasn't sure about the towel either. I was hopeing it tied the whole photo together, if that makes sense.

Thanks for commenting!