I tested this before I commented, so here it is: I adjusted levels to increase contrast and brighten up the picture a bit, tweaked the saturation up to increase the vividness of the color, and used the unsharp mask filter to sharpen. Took about 1minute, but the difference was huge. Would've given this a 7 instead of a 5.
Sorry, but digital photos require some post-production to make up for the camera's weaknesses.
This is actually a very good shot with a pleasing DOF.
A bit too monotone IMHO. I wish the poped kernel had beeen bright white against the un-popped. Perhaps you could re edit and use the same idea in out of place?
good idea, I like the square crop and good DOF.