Terrific subject for texture and a great compositional interpretation in order to define that texture precisely. The leg behind the head giving some textural contrasts is so effective here. One of my top 10 favorites of this week.
Wow. Amazing. out of about 40 that i've seen, I'd say that this has invoked the strongest feeling of texture so far. i like the black in the corners - nice job.
Very nice take on the challenge. It's just a bit dark, though. I think that a little adjustment to the lighting, even in post-processing would have brought out the suddle shadows in his skin texture better and made it stand out. Perhaps just a tiny boost in saturation wouldn't hurt either. 6