Oli,
For some reason, I am losing a more posts I think I sent in! Could be the new software update. I thought I already posted what I know I wrote, LOL! Could be too much turkey!
I liked the concept and how you tried to capture the event, but I was perplexed since I did not recognize the candles at first. I think it would be worth considering defining them better by masking everything but them, or selecting them and lightening and then increasing the contrast so they are defined. You can then decrease the change you have made to the minimum to easily notice the candles. Also it might be a great idea to select the smoke separately, in it own layer and also really make that 3 dimensional and well characterized. Again reduce what you have done to give the effect without calling attention to the photoshop work.
Likely others noticed the candles immediately. So if I'm the only one with this idea, then it doesn't matter.
Thanks for sharing.
Asher