I like the fact that the subject is entirely in focus even with the shallow DOF, this is what I had in mind for the challenge....shallow dof to enhance the photo and make the subject "pop". 9
Nice use of the diagonal. Though the in focus shells are at or about the thirds point I feel the image would be much stronger if they were slightly lower in the frame and a bit to the left. Maybe even at a bit more extreme angle.
I like the idea - For me it's just a little too contrived. This could have been much better I think if you had just have used the mussel shell in the place it is on it's own. I think it would have had much more impact. Nice idea though.