composing travel memories: which is better?

[monstermum]

Reading the "Elephant in our Images" thread I wanted to try out my composition skills (or lack of.. )

I was cleaning out my camera bag and found lots of receipts from my trip across Canada last year. Not wanting to throw them out without capturing the memory they bring back for me I tried 2 different "lay outs" for them.
1st is kind of ordered

_MG_0662 by *monstermum, on Flickr
exposure 1/30, Aperture f3.5, ISO 100, Flash fired, Program Manual
Metering Spot, White Balance Auto, focal length 18mm

2nd is more random

_MG_0681 by *monstermum, on Flickr
exposure 1/30, Aperture f 4.0, ISO 100, Flash fired, Program Manual
Metering Spot, White Balance Auto, focal length 28mm, vignette applied

I would like to know which is more appealing and why. Or what could I do to make it more interesting.
I am here to learn.
thanks!

[RichardTaylor]

I think the vignette is a bit too much, maybe scale it back (1/2?) may make it look better. The random arrangement works for me.

[monstermum]

Thanks, I have tweaked it back some. Is this more like you meant?

_MG_0681 by *monstermum, on Flickr

This is not the best thing I have done but I am forcing myself to try different things so I can LEARN! I am one who tends to want to do things perfect the first time, so making myself go through the steps and be vulnerable is a difficult task.
Having said that I DO welcome the critique.

[RichardTaylor]

That's what I mean.

[photographyjunkie]

I definitely prefer the second shot. I am all about randomness

[baycruisers]

Try taking the shot from directly overhead and fill the frame with tickets, receipts, the camera, etc. That way you could actually read what's on all the receipts (dates, locations, etc.) like a montage. Love the cloth you're using for background. Also, it's a great idea and one I think I'll borrow when we get back from Saint Martin!