Feedback please

[SquarePeg44 5]

So... this is my first attempt at photographing something using manual mode (not counting all the practice shots I took trying to understand exposure and how it all works). I was trying to duplicate one of the "how to" shots from the Bryan Peterson online videos. Here is my original and my edited photo. Please note I do not have PhotoShop (I'm just getting into all of this).

I used my Nikon D60 with my Tamron 18-200 lens. 200mm, f/40, 2s, ISO 200m, White Balance: Cloudy. I used a tripod and the timer. I had difficulty getting the focus as sharp as I wanted. Would love some suggestions on what I can do differently (composition, cropping and editing as well as getting it right "in camera"). I was set up really really close to the subject and had to dial back to get it where it is so I ended up with the shot not being as close up as I wanted. Auto focus then tweaked it manually. No flash.

TIA for your feedback

 

[480sparky47 46]

Both could use more depth of field, and both are underexposed.

Either use a smaller aperture or do a focus stack. As for the underexposure, a simple Curves adjustment will make them come alive.

Edit: I just saw it was taken at f/40... I doubt you'll get much smaller than that. So you either need to try a shorter focal length (which will increase DOF), or do a focus stack. As for 'getting it right' in camera, learn how to 'read' the camera's histogram.

 

[SquarePeg44 5]

I'm a total newb and don't know what a focus stack is. I'll add that to the ever growing list of things I need to learn! Thanks for your input.

 

[SquarePeg44 5]

bumping to see if any other input - thanks!