CC my try at "still life"

[AHoskins]

I shot this yesterday after my son just tossed in in the hallway. I am very new to the camera and lense and have lots to read still. Can you give me any comments on things to do or not do? Background to distracting? I still am exploring which "type" of photography I want to mostly do. But I do like photographing items that don't move ;) First is the original and second is the edit.

Large size of original (http://farm1.static.flickr.com/117/423189491_bacb85614f_b.jpg)

Large size of B&W (http://farm1.static.flickr.com/178/422352248_a60eb6f859_b.jpg)

Thanks for any comments. I know its not the most interesting picture nor the most interesting subject.

[Attic]

Nice try but I think the background is a little busy.

[CanonCam]

The background needs your little one walking away from the shoe as if he just tossed it and walked away (which it sounds like he did)

[led hed]

light metering is based on the bright areas behind, which is why the shoe is dark. maybe try partial metering to bring out the shoe some more without blowing the background.

ya, the kid walking away would tell the story clearer.

[AHoskins]

Thanks for the comments. I love the idea of him walking away. I may have to try to set that up :)

[ghosh]

Nice image. I think if the shoe was at a third or golden angle it would have been better.

[Denovo]

Nice image. I think if the shoe was at a third or golden angle it would have been better.

I get the "at a third" but would you do us the favor of explaining "golden angle" in laymens terms?