Seed

Shot this with a 50mm+ asahi close up filter. Is the foreground too sharp for this to work?

I think the composition is off, the center of interest (the seed) is pretty much in the center of the frame. The rule of thirds would suggest to move the center of interest out of dead center and that would really help here.

As for the foreground being in focus, it doesn't bother me as much as the composition but I do think that a little softer focus at the front of the image wouldn't be a bad idea.

I agree on the composition but I think its more with the top of the picture is too tight for me.

Another minor problem for me is the shell merges into the shadow and the top of the shell could do with a slight more brightness. A reflector on the shadow side could have improved this a lot.

Roger R.

I think more than the sharp foreground, what throws this off for me is the harsh shadow that somewhat over takes the shot. I agree with roger that a reflector would've helped greatly. Having said that, i like the tones, the olive green and the red touch work together rather well.