This is a very very striking image. I love his expression and his eyes. The trail of smoke on the right really adds something to it I think.

thanks everyone who rated or commented! this image is entitled 'terry talks about life' and was shot on telegraph avenue in berkeley last year. as for the shoe, i agree. however, since i am a photographer and not a photoshop artist i do the best i can on the street. the great thing is that his gaze and pose are strong enough to make even that element insignificant. plus a homeless person next to commerce perhaps says more about the subject.