Jeanne,
How funny, we ended up as next-door neighbors in voting on this challenge. Since I did place one spot higher than you, I feel I am still qualified to leave you a comment on this image (Although I did get more 1's). I think your score is a result of the image lacking sharpness and depth more than anything else. It looks like your camera focused on the inside of the pumpkin where the light was brighter instead of the outside of the pumpkin. This, along with the noise from the long exposure, makes the image look flat and the edges of the carving look blurry.
I do like the carving and you are invited to do a couple for my kids if you would like. Keep working at this photography thing. You are getting better.
Tim |