Still an 8 in my book. You deserved better. Though, looking over your comments, I think I agree that if all the items were in focus it would be a better shot. :-)
I like this. I like that you didn't have to explain your photo in your title - it speaks for itself. The colors work very well together. I love that painting in the background. Who did that? This photo tells me something about you and therefore definitely meets the challenge. 8, just-married
this is a good example of objects that represent a place, make a scene. some people had just objects and it didn't work, this works. shooting cig smoke is hard, isn't it.
I understand the capture of 'your corner of the world' in this photo, but on the subjectivity scale, there is nothing that really grabs me and says HELLO. - setzler
Ok. here's my HO: I like the idea. like the lighting. I think you can get closer to the main subjects. the focus should be up front and the picture in the back is the one thta can be a bit OOF. my last complain, and as I say, it's a personal one, don't like the mixing of the cigaret with the food. maybe it should be on a second or third plane. so that the food and book takes center stage.
I know this is a prejudicial comment, and I apologize, but I have a personal aversion to cigarettes in use. Otherwise, I think the technical aspects of the photo are solid. 6