Just saw this and love the twist you took on the challenge. For the idea itself, I would have scored you a 7. As for the photo, it's genuinely well done but perhaps the greys are a bit monotonous. So yes, a bit more contrast could have worked but without really trying it out, I can't say for sure. IMO definitely deserved higher overall!
you have taken a giant leap forward in your image creation/manifestation.
not only is this image powerfully symbolic... but also innately powerful.
what is even more important is that it contains within it the key to unlocking that power.
very nice job.
i don't think i have done better than this. conveying an old practice and yet in a very incocuous guise.
try and establish the parameters of creativity which led to the creation of this image. if you can find that comfort zone again... anything is truely possible... beyond the scope of these words to convey it.
I like this. The softness of it is appealing and the light is well achieved. It's different and not the expected, which I appreciate. The black and white filter really works and uncomplicates it by just having an overall grayed palette. Nice self portrait!!! ;~)