As one of the "morons" I would like to emphasize that it is possible to shoot a shot like this without being able to very clearly see the photographer holding the camera in the reflection. I'm sure there's plenty of technical ways, but since lighting setups is still something I need to learn I'll tell you what I would have done to avoid it.
A white piece of paper with a hole in it.
I know.. it sounds stupid! This way though the only thing reflecting would be the black from the lens. I thought about a black piece of paper, but I think that would require you allow more light in which would probably completely blow out your whites that are already on the edge of being blown. With the white I don't think anyone would notice the black spot as a camera lens.
Hopefully someone chimes in with how to work the lighting to avoid this, but just know that there are options.
On another note, while staring at it right now I figured out what I think would have given the composition more punch. The bottom row of pearls curls back up right now. I think having the bottom row go into the bottom right corner of the shot would pull the viewer into the photo. I think it would be neat to have the pearls gradually getting larger and then that bottom right pearl would seem like it was going to pop out and get you.
If none of this makes sense, send me message and I'll try my best to explain what I'm trying to say, heh.
I'm wanting to pull back on this when I look at it. There isn't a whole lot to look at on a smooth white pearl unfortunately except for your reflection. My eye wants a bit more dead space somewhere.
The colors are nice. You have a few blownout whites on the top line of pearls, but honestly they're not bad enough for nonphotographers to really notice.
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