Hey Mark I seem to have missed this thread...
Vertical... I see what I think you're trying to do here, but for me I'm not sure what the subject is. The blob of wood on the bottom edge and the bits of wall top right corner distract. For something like this, I think a bit more abstract would work better. How about just picking out the verticals and take the context of the staircase away. We know they are bannister supports, we don't necessarily need to see all the stairs.
I do like the soft lighting and the warm tones you've got going on. I also like that DoF although the front post looks a little blurred. Clicking through to Flickr, I'm not surprised at 1/6 sec assuming you're hand-held? Overall, I think it's a good idea, although for me, I'd like a bit more vertical wood and less stairs.