Better depth of field. This is a good example of how the 1/3 in front and 2/3 behind really works. Assuming you did use a narrow aperture (F22) your natural inclination was to focus on Devon's face. That, however, didn't allow for all of the rings to be in focus. Instead, pull the focus back a few rings. Devon should still be in focus as would the rings in the foreground. I like it!
Like. The only change I might suggest is to play with a more diagonal composition (might require twisting the camera more) to bring the ends of the thorn shaft more into the upper left and lower right corners. Good use of narrow aperture to focus the eye and blur the background.
Focus issues, but that can be hard to pull off. I really liked the color and possibilities with this scene (you were not the only one to shoot it in this manner). It would work much better if you were able to isolate the middle stalk into one of the thirds, and use the yellow background to bring out the muted colors. The far right stalk is just distraction and should be cropped out.
