do you read music?

[deb]

I think the first shot is fine as far as exposure, dof etc, and I agree that the second is a little cluttered.

I don't connect the items that you've chosen to include in the picture. If I were going to include the glasses and pipe, I would have used a book or a newspaper instead of sheet music in the photo. That combination of items would create an image of an elderly man that would be coming into his den to enjoy a quiet evening with his book and a smoke.

The sheet music, the clarinet and and old vinyl record might bring to mind some good Jazz music.

The sheet music, a piano and a pair of ballet slippers might make me think of Swan Lake.

I just cannot get there with sheet music and a pipe.