Zebra collage

Since posting my giraffe collage, I've tried countless base images trying to find a technique to pick a subject which will work. This is the closest I've got to something that works (in my view, at least). This is a collage of the zebra as base with a reverse luminosity mask over the top. I have added 2 different skies, one for texture blended on multiply at 71% and one for colour also blended on multiply at 90%. The added texture over the zebra is blended on hard light at 100%. Originally I had the zebra offset to the left somewhat, but it really needed to be central to have the final texture layer. I'm getting closer to the feel I'm after but am interested in any suggestions and comments. Thanks.

Hilary, I really like the look you have achieved here. I prefer the subject out of the center-but w/ this pose I think it's okay. I might make the border/vignette a little smaller if it were mine. I really like the aged look here! Well done.:)

Hilary, I really like the look - it has a very luminous feel to it. I'd prefer the texture to stretch out a little more towards the edges. I like the zebra centered in this one.:)

Hilary, I think the overall effect is excellent. I love the illustration look and feel and think your hard work paid off here. I have to say that I don't care for the centering of the zebra though. It feels too close to the right side to me and I think your original thought on placement would have been better. It's a minor issue though, as this is very well done.

Re-post attached. I've gone back to my original idea for the composition and changed some of the blend overlays. Interested to know if you think it has improved.

Fantastic!!!!:)

Thank you Denise. :)

Awesome work, Hilary! I wish it were mine. :) Love the pose and color tones. The look and feel from the textures is just fantastic, and the repost makes it perfect.

Thank you Christopher. :)

Yes! Beautiful. :D

Thanks Kerry. I'm glad it passes muster. I've printed it onto Hahnemuhle photo rag and will be entering it into a local professional photography competition. Will let you know how it goes. I have to put the finishing touches on 3 more before submitting so am getting a little anxious! Thanks for all the feedback and help. Hilary

Oh, I really like this one. Just spot on with the new version for me. Great idea and execution with a beautiful mood.

Thank you Paul, I really appreciate your feedback.

I join the others in praising the reposted version, but no one is mentioning one thing
that really makes this picture come alive for me: the low camera angle! The head angle
is also lovely, but that is obvious. Beautifully visualized and realized, Hilary!

Thanks Ron, I was lucky that the zebra was on a bit of a cliff. Just my day! :)