cupcake I

Technical aspects:
The focus here is very nicely done. Very crisp and clear. I feel like I could reach into my monitor and stick my finger in the frosting. <img src="e.deviantart.net/emoticons/b/b…" width="15" height="15" alt="" title=" (Big Grin)"/> I also like the shallow depth of field, the tight focus on the front cupcake, with the other cupcakes in soft focus behind.

This is the kind of lighting I like the best. It looks like natural light from a window to the left, making shadows in the ripples of the frosting and the in the accordion folds of the paper cup holding the cupcake. It creates wonderful visual interest. Also the fact that the focal point is lighter than the background makes for a better picture.

I'm glad you didn't center the cupcake, but have it off to the "dark" side. The photo is more appealing this way, and because the center of attention is moving out of the photo lets me know there is more to the story, in a way.

Your colors have the perfect tonal range. The color of the cupcake is believable, and is making me hungry. <img src="e.deviantart.net/emoticons/w/w…" width="15" height="15" alt="" title=" (Wink)"/> The swirls on the frosting are visually appealing.

Mood:
I believe your story here is that there is a party going on. This cupcake is just waiting for me to grab it and chow down. <img src="e.deviantart.net/emoticons/l/l…" width="15" height="15" alt="" title="Laughing"/>

This photo, while not something I would hang on my wall, would be an excellent choice to hang in a bakery or a coffee shop. The whole effect is leaving me wanting to go make some cupcakes now. There's even a good chance that the photo is better than the actual product! <img src="e.deviantart.net/emoticons/let…" width="15" height="15" alt="" title=" (Lick)"/>

This is an excellent photo. Bright, happy and visually appealing.