I think you need to stress texture here, through the angle of the light, the exposure, and at least one portion of the image in sharpness. A deliberately soft image usually does not work unless you are trying to create a dreamy effect. This can be soft, but that softness must gather around a sharp portion.
I used a tripod, but unfortunately there was a bothersome breeze. I was really trying to abstract this more with softness and less saturated color. I'll try again when the air is still.
Good idea, Jenene, but you were unable to hold your camera still enough to use a shutter speed this slow (1/5th of a second) unless you have an image stabilized lens, and even then, with macros, the camera must be rock solid. Use a tripod from now on for still lifes at close range in low light. The concept is good --waves of light, color, and texture -- but the texture must be sharp and the colors rich and light should reflect a broader scale of light and dark areas.
