You may not have decided whether you like it but I have - I want to reach out and touch it - that's gotta be good in a challenge on textures, surely? :o)
Excellent detail. Lighting pretty good, DOF and POV excellent, composition great. White spot in backgorund draws my attention (slightly distracting). Like the tones used. 7 - good luck in the challenge!
I like this photo, you did well. I would really like to know how you got this overtone, this color this mood. I have seen other photographers do it, and I am pretty good post processing, still I dont know how ya'll are coming up with it.
Very interesting perspective - quite effectibe. The white blur in the background is a touch distracting. Maybe clone it out so the only light areas are on the bottom of the bloom. Overall - quite nice though. 7